Smokey fennel
Foeniculum vulgare 'Smokey'
USDA zones4 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size4 to 6 feet tallup to 2.5 feet wide
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Smokey' fennel (Foeniculum vulgare 'Smokey') is an herb for borders, pollinator gardens, and food gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows 48 to 72 inches tall, and butterflies and bees visit the blooms from early to late summer. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Drought tolerance makes it easy to keep.
Pairs well with Salad burnet, Chicory, and Celeriac.