Foeniculum Vulgare 'Smokey'

‘Smokey’ is an ornamental bronze fennel selected for its finely divided foliage, which emerges smoky purple and deepens to bronze before softening towards green later in the season. Tall branching stems carry broad umbels of tiny yellow flowers, creating an airy screen that attracts bees, hoverflies and butterflies. The anise-scented leaves and ripe seeds can be used as a culinary herb, while the architectural seed heads remain attractive into autumn. It is superb among grasses and hot-coloured perennials, though seedlings may vary slightly in foliage depth.