Overview
Heracleum villosum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Heracleum, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Heracleum villosum 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 villosum, commonly known as giant cow parsnip or cartwheel flower, is a bushy, semi-evergreen herbaceous plant within the Apiaceae family. As a member of the Heracleum genus, it thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, and is suited to full sun or partial shade in exposed positions. This hardy plant (H7) is ideal for wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer. It can be propagated by seed or division and grows well facing any aspect.
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 villosum 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 villosum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heracleum villosum?
Heracleum villosum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Heracleum villosum need?
Heracleum villosum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heracleum villosum hardy in the UK?
Heracleum villosum 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 villosum?
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 steveniiSteven's hogweed
