Humulus lupulus Aureus (Common Hop)

Cold-hardy and very decorative, award-winning Humulus lupulus 'Aurea' is a strong-growing perennial vine noted for its luminous foliage and interesting fruits. It features long twining stems clad with deeply lobed, serrated leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), which emerge bright chartreuse in spring and brighten up dull areas in the garden. Clusters of subtle, fragrant greenish-yellow flowers add texture in late summer to early fall and mature to attractive drooping, papery fruits resembling pinecones. The blooms exude a pine-like fragrance and are attractive to butterflies. This plant dies back in winter but comes back year after year. A quick and easy way to hide an unforgiving fence or cover a pergola!

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Fast-growing, this perennial vine will twine its pretty limbs up to 15-25 ft. tall (4.5-7.5 m) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to part shade, in average, moist, well-drained soils. The best leaf color is obtained in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist. Appreciates some shade in the deep South to prevent leaf color from bleaching. Some drought tolerance once established. Deer resistant.
• Hops requires sturdy support on which to climb such as pergolas, walls, or fences. Forms a good screen that will rapidly cover unsightly structures. Perfect in cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
• Cut down in fall like an herbaceous perennial.
• May be affected by powdery mildew, Verticillium wilt, aphids, and caterpillars.
• Toxic to dogs.
• This vine is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North America.