Hog's fennel (Peucedanum officinale)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hog's fennel on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hog's fennel
Peucedanum officinale, commonly known as Sulphurwort or Hog's Fennel, is a robust perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to Europe and Western Asia. It is characterized by its ribbed, hollow stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height, and its large umbels of greenish-yellow flowers that appear in summer. This plant is an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, herbaceous borders, or as a background plant in sunny beds, providing interesting texture and a wild touch.
Native range
Central and Southern Europe, extending to North Africa and West Asia.
Care tips
Peucedanum officinale thrives in full sun in well-drained, preferably calcareous soils, though it tolerates a wide range of soil types as long as they don't retain excessive moisture. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can promote excessive foliage growth and less flowering; poor soil is often beneficial for this species. A common mistake is attempting to transplant mature plants, as they have a deep taproot that makes them difficult to move successfully.
How to save a dying Hog's fennel
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage; if potted, remove and inspect roots. If rotten, prune and repot in fresh substrate. Ensure full sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and shade. Does not tolerate waterlogging or lack of direct light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's quite resilient if conditions are corrected in time.