Skip to content
← Plant Database

Common Hops

Humulus lupulus

Also listed as Humulus volubilis, Humulus vulgaris

Also known as Hops, Common Hop, Hop

vine☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 5a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

See how well Common Hops grows in your area.

Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.

A vigorous climbing vine prized for its cone-shaped flowers used in brewing beer. Grows rapidly up trellises and fences, producing aromatic foliage and distinctive papery hop cones in late summer.

Why grow it

Hops offers perennial productivity from a single planting, unlike annual brewing herbs, and establishes quickly on vertical structures to maximize limited garden space. The plant's vigorous growth and dense foliage make it useful for screening, while its dual purpose (ornament and brewing material) distinguishes it from most ornamental vines. Most cultivars are hardy to zone 3 and tolerate partial shade, though full sun yields the most robust cone production.

Watch out for

Hops require sturdy vertical support and regular training to climb effectively, as unsupported vines become tangled and difficult to harvest. The plants benefit from consistent moisture during the growing season but are susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions without good air circulation. Rhizomes can spread underground and may require periodic division or root barriers to prevent spreading beyond intended growing areas.

Overview

Form
Climbing
Growth Rate
fast
Size
15–25′ tall × 3–6′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Cannabaceae
EdibleFiberPollinators & beneficial insects

Native Range

Europe, Western Asia, North America

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Edible Parts

flower

Season of Interest

SummerFall

Similar climbers you might consider:

Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.

Companion Planting

Plants well with