Overview
Heracleum stevenii is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Heracleum, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Heracleum stevenii 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 stevenii, commonly known as Steven's hogweed, is a bushy cultivar within the Heracleum genus, which includes biennial or perennial herbs such as giant hogweed and cow parsley. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for exposed sites and can be grown in wildlife gardens or wildflower meadows. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, and it can be propagated by seed or division.
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 stevenii 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 stevenii
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heracleum stevenii?
Heracleum stevenii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Heracleum stevenii need?
Heracleum stevenii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heracleum stevenii hardy in the UK?
Heracleum stevenii 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 stevenii?
Seed, Division.
More in the Heracleum genus
- Heracleum lehmannianumLehmann's hogweed
- Heracleum mantegazzianumgiant hogweed
- Heracleum maximumAmerican cow parsnip
- Heracleum nepalense
- Heracleum panacesHercules' woundwort
- Heracleum sphondylium 'Pink Cloud'
- Heracleum sphondylium var. angustifolium
- Heracleum villosumgiant cow parsnip
