Humulus lupulus
Hop
Also known as Humulus americanus
- Height × spread
- 6m × 6m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & early Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An essential ingredient in modern beer, this is a vigorous climber with rather attractive, broad lobed leaves that form a good looking covering for a fence. There are greenish-yellow, drooping clusters of flowers in late summer which later develop into hops. In the brewing of ale, hops add a bitter taste to the brew and help to prolong its life. Richard Mabey, author of Flora Britannica, notes the custom, in hop growing areas, of hanging boughs of hops over fireplaces. Such decorations are quite often seen nowadays in pubs, but whether their appearance indicates that hops are grown locally is, perhaps, questionable. The ornamental form, Humulus lupulus 'Aureus', the golden hop, is the variety that is most commonly grown.
- Flower colour
- Green, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover
- Walls
- North, East, South, West facing
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin irritant/allergen
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Prune foliage back
Cut foliage back to the ground in autumn.
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.