Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’     Family: Cannabaceae
(HUME-yew-luss LOOP-yew-luss)

Common name: golden hops
Zone: 4 – 8
Height:20-25 ft (6-7.5 m)  Spread:3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: An herbaceous vine with a fairly vigorous growth habit. Attractive bright, yellow-green, 3 – 5 lobed leaves. Dioecious plant (male and female flowers on separate plants). The female plant has creamy, cone-like strobials which appear in July and August. The male flowers have small white to yellow-green flowers.

Special Notes: Native to the temperate regions of western Europe through Asia. Attractive foliage. Plant dies back in winter; can either cut vines back to ground in late winter or leave in place for new growth to scramble up. May suffer occasional fungal leaf spots or powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant. Divide clumps in early spring. Remove any wayward suckers.

Caution: Stems have tiny spines which can cause skin irritation.

RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993; Great Plant Pick 2006

Posted on October 19, 2012