Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, rich soils, but has some tolerance for drought. This vine is dioecious (separate male and female plants), so some male plants are needed (if seed is desired) in order for the female plants to produce seed. Plants die to the ground each winter, but perennial roots survive to send up new growth each spring. Stems may be pruned to the ground in autumn after a hard frost. Propagate by cuttings of runners emanating from the crown.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Humulus lupulus, commonly known as common hop, is a dioecious, rhizomatous, twining perennial vine that is grown commercially for harvest of female fruits which are used by breweries to preserve and flavor beer. It is also an easy-to-grow ornamental plant that can be grown on a variety of support structures. This vine is native to Europe, southwestern Asia and North America. Hops grown commercially in the U.S. are the European variety which has now escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas. Common hop grows rapidly each year to 15-20' long on rough stems clad with lobed leaves. Yellow-green male flowers bloom in catkins. Female flowers and subsequent seeds are born in cone-like structures (strobiles) which mature in late summer to early fall. Strobiles are typically collected in September-October with the seeds dried for use in the manufacture of beer. Flowers emit a pine-like fragrance and are attractive to butterflies.
Genus name comes from a Medieval name of the hop plant that has apparently been Latinized.
Specific epithet means "small wolf", in reference to one of this plant's ancient common names: willow-wolf (it was found climbing over willow trees).
'Aureus' has coarsely serrate, 3-5 lobed leaves which emerge bright chartreuse in spring, but some leaves tend to turn more greenish as the growing season progresses. Greenish female flowers are borne in small, bracted spikes resembling cones which mature in late summer.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Needs a support structure on which to climb. Skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Uses
Interesting ornamental vine for growing on trellises, pergolas, arbors and porches. Incorporate into an herb garden. Good screen that will rapidly cover unattractive structures. Needs a support structure on which to grow.