Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Hogweed: when and how to prune
Heracleum sphondylium
Hogweed is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Hogweed: when to prune it?
Mow part of it in September; leave the rest, with hollow stems and seed heads, until March.
Hogweed: how to prune it?
- In a wildlife garden, leave some stems and umbels standing over winter: insects and spiders overwinter in the hollow stems.
- Cut off faded umbels in August if you want fewer seedlings.
- In a hay meadow, mow in mid-June and in September and remove the cuttings.
- In March, cut the old stems back to just above the ground, before the new leaves grow large.
- Pile the cut stems in a quiet corner as shelter for small animals.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: The sap makes skin sensitive to sunlight. Wear gloves and long sleeves, even when cutting dry stems, and preferably work in cloudy weather.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.