Overview
Heracleum mantegazzianum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Heracleum, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Heracleum mantegazzianum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.
About
Heracleum mantegazzianum, commonly known as giant hogweed or cartwheel flower, is a bushy, semi-evergreen herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. As a member of the Heracleum genus, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. This hardy plant (UK hardiness H7) is suitable for exposed sites and can be grown in wildlife gardens or wildflower meadows. It is best planted in well-drained soil and watered during establishment, with propagation possible by seed or division. Its main seasons of interest are spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heracleum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Heracleum mantegazzianum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heracleum mantegazzianum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heracleum mantegazzianum?
Heracleum mantegazzianum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Heracleum mantegazzianum need?
Heracleum mantegazzianum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heracleum mantegazzianum hardy in the UK?
Heracleum mantegazzianum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Heracleum mantegazzianum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Heracleum genus
- Heracleum lehmannianumLehmann's hogweed
- Heracleum maximumAmerican cow parsnip
- Heracleum nepalense
- Heracleum panacesHercules' woundwort
- Heracleum sphondylium 'Pink Cloud'
- Heracleum sphondylium var. angustifolium
- Heracleum steveniiSteven's hogweed
- Heracleum villosumgiant cow parsnip
