Plant guide

Hops.

Humulus lupulus

Pronounced HYOO-myoo-lus LOO-pyoo-lus

Also known as Bine, Common Hop, Common Hop, Hops, Common Hops, Hop, Hops

Hops are vigorous, climbing vines known for their papery, cone shaped flowers used in brewing. They grow incredibly fast during the summer months and need a sturdy trellis to support their heavy bines. You will love watching them climb as they create a lush, green screen in your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial vine
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 20 to 25 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Provide a tall, sturdy structure for the bines to climb and ensure they get plenty of sun. Watch for aphids or spider mites on the undersides of leaves during hot, dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained to support their rapid growth.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the peak of summer heat.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer throughout the active growing season.
Pruning: Cut the bines back to the ground once they die back in late autumn.
Repotting: Hops are best grown in the ground, but if in containers, refresh the soil every few years.
Soil: Rich, well draining loam
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: Hops are toxic to dogs and can cause malignant hyperthermia if ingested.

How to identify it

Rough, heart shaped leaves with serrated edges
Vigorous, climbing bines with stiff hairs
Papery, cone shaped female flower clusters
Rapid growth during the growing season

Science

Family: Cannabaceae
Genus: Humulus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your hops looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.