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Ferula communis (Giant fennel)
1 hour care
per year
per year
5m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Ferula communis
Other names
Giant fennel, Meeting seed , Ferula communis 'Gigantea'
Genus
Ferula Ferula
Species
F. communis - F. communis is a vigorous, upright, aromatic, deciduous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into linear, dark green segments and erect, branched stems bearing spherical umbels of small, golden-yellow flowers in summer.
Ferula communis is: Deciduous
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic (aniseed).
Habit
Upright
Flower
Golden-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
For better foliage, remove flowering stems when they appear or after flowering if seed in not wanted.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Ferula communis (Giant fennel) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Add to salads, Flavouring food and drinks, Beds and borders, Wildlife, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun. Protect with a thick dry mulch in winter. Often dies after setting seed.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Ferula communis
Other names
Giant fennel, Meeting seed , Ferula communis 'Gigantea'
Genus
Ferula Ferula
Species
F. communis - F. communis is a vigorous, upright, aromatic, deciduous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into linear, dark green segments and erect, branched stems bearing spherical umbels of small, golden-yellow flowers in summer.
Native to
Central Asia, Mediterranean, Western Asia
Foliage
Deciduous
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic (aniseed).
Habit
Upright
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Colour
Flower
Golden-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
For better foliage, remove flowering stems when they appear or after flowering if seed in not wanted.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Ferula communis (Giant fennel) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Add to salads, Flavouring food and drinks, Beds and borders, Wildlife, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sun. Protect with a thick dry mulch in winter. Often dies after setting seed.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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