These rapidly growing, coarse-textured vines provide dense cover for a trellis or for any unsightly feature in the garden in summer. Hop is a good selection for gardens that experience drought, hot temperatures and wind. This annual hop is a vigorous climber, growing 20 to 35 feet in a single season. The 6 to 8 inch wide leaves are rough-textured and bright green.
Female plants produce papery, conelike flowers.
This is the variety most often used as an ornamental. Once established, the plant reseeds itself. This perennial hop is grown for the fruit used in brewing beer and for medicinal use. The vines climb to 20 feet, and the plant is hardy in Zones 3-10. The cultivar 'Aurea', with golden foliage, is especially popular.