Botanical profile

Hop

Latin name
Humulus upulus
Common name
Hop
Type
Perennial climbing plant
Family
Cannabaceae

Hops are a vigorous perennial climbing plant, prized for their abundant green foliage and decorative cones, also known as female flowers. They quickly add height and a lush effect to the garden, making them an excellent choice for covering a pergola, trellis, fence, or vertical structure. In addition to their ornamental appeal, hops are known for their traditional use in beer making, where their cones contribute aromas, bitterness, and complexity.

Easy to grow, hops prefer a sunny to slightly semi-shaded location, in rich, fresh, deep, and well-drained soil. As they grow quickly during the season, they need strong support to climb and develop properly. Regular watering promotes vigorous growth, especially in warm weather, and pruning dry stems at the end of the season helps keep the plant well-controlled. It is best to give them enough space, as they can become imposing once established.

Both decorative, aromatic, and useful, hops are ideal for gardeners who want to integrate an original climbing plant into an edible or natural landscape. Their cones can be harvested when ripe for homemade projects, infusions, decorative creations, or brewing uses. It is a perfect perennial for adding volume, greenery, and a distinctive botanical touch to herb gardens, specialized vegetable gardens, and sunny outdoor spaces.

Care guide

Care level
Moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Vigorous climbing plant with decorative aromatic cones
Trellis, pergola, fence, plant screen, herb garden, cone harvest
Container growing
Possible to grow in a very large container with strong support
Seasonal care
Install a sturdy support; cut back dry stems in fall or spring; harvest cones when dry and fragrant
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
3 to 8
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Regular
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool, deep soil
Fertilization
Compost in spring; balanced fertilization during growth
Soil type
Fertile, deep, cool, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Division of rhizomes or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale green to cream
Fruiting
Female aromatic cones
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Vigorous twining climbing plant
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4 to 6 m (13 to 20 feet)
Width
1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Chives, calendula, yarrow, comfrey
Plants to avoid
Avoid with weak or shade-sensitive climbing plants
Spacing
90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 inches)
Harvest period
August to September
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.