Ferula communis
Giant fennel
Also known as Ferula chiliantha, Ferula communis 'Gigantea'
- Height × spread
- 2.1m × 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a startling mound of filigree foliage, a frothy, rich green confection that is a feature from late winter through spring. It may be several years before it flowers. It then sends up a stout flowering spike with green rounded umbels that open to yellow flowers. The foliage died off quite quickly, after flowering, so it needs siting where the bare space is shielded by the growth of other plants that expand at a more sedate pace. The stalk of the flowering spike is said to have been the original cane, beloved by schoolmasters but perhaps not their pupils. It is a Mediterranean plant and is not hardy everywhere so give it a warm sheltered spot. The flowering spike will achieve a height of around 2.1m (7ft) with a 90cm (3ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow-bronze
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2.1m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Prairie garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Outdoors
Apply a protective mulch
Protect the crown of the plant in winter in areas that are prone to frost and cold. For short term protection a fleece can be used, otherwise fill mesh sacks with masses of straw and secure them over the plant's crown.
The 'traditional method' is to put wire or other netting over the plant, layer plenty of straw on top of this and then secure the whole with more netting.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.