This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Fine clouds of feathery, bright green leaves, which have a sweet aniseed flavour are crowned with flat-topped, sulphur-yellow flower heads in mid- to late summer, followed by aromatic seeds. Fennel is the perfect centre-piece for a sunny herb garden. An invaluable border plant, the foliage provides a delicate foil against which the flowers of herbaceous plants and bulbs can be seen.
  
  
• Garden care: The plant's tendency to self-seed may be a problem in hot summers. If fennel is being grown exclusively for its foliage, remove the yellow flowerheads to prevent it from self-seeding. When flowers have finished cut back to 30cm from the ground.