Japanese hop
Humulus scandens · Cannabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around japanese hop and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Humulus scandens
- Family
- Cannabaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous climbing plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (July to September)
- Adult size
- 3 to 6 meters in height
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- East Asia (Japan, China, Korea)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly moist
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the active growth period (spring-summer). Water moderately 2 to 3 times per week depending on the weather. Avoid waterlogging which would promote rot. In autumn and winter, gradually reduce watering.
Light exposure
Place Japanese hop in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. A sunny exposure promotes flowering and strengthens the plant's vigor. Protect it from strong winds that could damage the stems and foliage.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering (September-October) to clean up the plant and control its development. Remove dead or diseased stems in late winter. Guide new shoots onto supports (trellis, pergola) to structure growth. Light pruning encourages branching.
Fertilizing and nutrition
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. A nitrogen-rich feed supports vigorous foliage production. Repeat monthly until July, then stop to avoid stimulating growth in autumn.
Soil preparation
Prepare a substrate rich in organic matter (potting mix, compost) mixed with garden soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation. A neutral to slightly acidic pH suits this species perfectly.
Diseases and pests
Japanese hop can be affected by powdery mildew (white powder on leaves) in stagnant humid conditions. Watch for spider mites and aphids during warm periods. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal infections.
Did you know?
Japanese hop is a distant botanical cousin of cultivated hop (Humulus lupulus), both members of the Cannabaceae family. Native to Asia, this vigorous herbaceous climber can cover several meters in a single season, making it an ideal plant for quickly creating shade or covering a pergola. Its small female flowers, resembling tiny cones, attract pollinating insects and add a discreet yet elegant ornamental dimension to the garden.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- HopHumulus lupulus
- Nettle treeCeltis australis
- HackberryCeltis occidentalis
- HempCannabis sativa
- Trema micranthumTrema micranthum
- Celtis laevigataCeltis laevigata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.