Family: Cannabaceae
Common Name: Hops

The two or three species of this genus of hardy, twining perennials are found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. These fast-growing plants have rough stems, broad leaves, small unisexual flowers and small, dry fruit with one seed. Flops are often seen climbing walls, balconies or pergolas, and if trained along wire or fences they can provide an effec­tive windbreak. However, they are mostly asso­ciated with the production of beer which is made from the bitter resin of the mature female flower of H. lupulus.

Species

H. japonicus, Japanese hops, from east-ern Asia, is usually treated as an annual and grown from seed. It is a decorative plant, which grows to 4 m (13 it), with long, sawtoothed, pale green leaves. Cultivar 'Variegatus' has foliage streaked and blotched with white.

H. lupulus, common hops, from the temperate regions of Europe, has been introduced into many other areas where it is used purely for commercial beer production. It grows 6-9 m (20-30 ft) high and has long, serrated leaves and quite spiky fruits. The cultivar 'Aureus' is very popular and widely grown for its highly attractive golden foliage.

Cultivation

Hops will grow well in almost any type of soil, but do best in a very rich soil. They prefer a temperate climate and require frequent watering during dry summers. Propagate from seed in spring germinated at 18°C (64°F), or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with basal heat.

Climate

Zone 5.