About
A deciduous, herbaceous perennial female climber with a vigorous, clockwise-twining habit, reaching up to 8m in height and 2.5m in spread. From July to September, it produces aromatic, cone-shaped flowers, essential for beer brewing. It features mid-green, deeply divided leaves with three to five lobes, a rough texture, and toothed margins.
About the genus
Humulus are vigorous herbaceous climbers with rough, twining stems, deeply palmately-lobed leaves and small green flowers, male and female on separate plants
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySkin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade in moist-well-drained soil, preferably in a deep, fertile loam. Provide supports such as twine, wires or trellis. Hops can be used for brewing; new spring shoots can be cooked and eaten
PruningCut down to ground level in late autumn or winter
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews