Hops Humulus lupulus
Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Cannabaceae family, native to Europe, western Asia and North America. It grows 4–7 m (13–23 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Hops in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hops at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Mature height | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: cones (brewing), young shoots |
| Native to | Europe, western Asia and North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Hops toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: cones, spent hops
Dangerous to dogs: hops can cause malignant hyperthermia (fatal overheating), especially in greyhounds and retrievers.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hops
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Hops
- How far apart should I plant Hops?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Hops need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hops need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hops?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Hops flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hops poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people mildly toxic. Dangerous to dogs: hops can cause malignant hyperthermia (fatal overheating), especially in greyhounds and retrievers.
- What grows well with Hops?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hops. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A twining bine that dies back to its crown each winter and regrows several metres a summer; female plants bear the papery cones.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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