Overview
Humulus lupulus is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Humulus, part of the Cannabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Humulus lupulus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Humulus lupulus, the common hop or hops, is a species of flowering plant in the hemp family, Cannabaceae. It is a perennial, herbaceous climbing plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to a cold-hardy rhizome in autumn. It is dioecious (having separate male and female plants) and native to West Asia, Europe and North America. As the female cone-shaped flowers (hops) are used to preserve and flavor beer, the species is widely cultivated for the brewing industry. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Humulus lupulus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Humulus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Humulus lupulus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Humulus lupulus
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Root cuttings, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Humulus lupulus?
Humulus lupulus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Humulus lupulus need?
Humulus lupulus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Humulus lupulus hardy in the UK?
Humulus lupulus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Humulus lupulus?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Root cuttings, Division.
