Fennel Smokey Bronze

Fennel 'Smokey Bronze' (Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum') is a striking perennial herb cherished as much for its ornamental beauty as for its culinary attributes. Unlike common green fennel, this cultivar boasts delicate, feathery foliage that emerges with a beautiful bronze-purple hue, deepening in colour as it matures, making it a dramatic addition to borders and herb gardens across South Africa. While it does produce edible leaves with a milder, more subtle anise flavour than its green counterparts, its main culinary use often revolves around its seeds, which retain the characteristic sweet, liquorice-like taste and can be used to flavour breads, curries, and roasted vegetables. Its architectural form and rich colour also make it an excellent choice for floral arrangements, adding texture and a touch of drama to bouquets.