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common hop plant

The common hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is a vigorous climber with a long history in both gardening and brewing. Renowned for its lush, decorative foliage and aromatic flowers, the common hop plant is a favourite among New Zealand gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality in their outdoor spaces. Whether you're hoping to create your own living screen, attract pollinators, or try your hand at home brewing, the common hop plant is a versatile and rewarding addition to the garden.

Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.

Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide.

From $13.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

5 from 1 customers

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide.

From $99.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Clianthus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Deciduous Conifers, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search common hop plant

What is the Common Hop Plant?

The common hop plant is a hardy, perennial climber native to Europe and parts of Asia, but well-adapted to New Zealand growing conditions. Its rapid growth and twining stems allow it to reach up to 6 metres in a single season, making it perfect for covering fences, trellises, or unsightly walls. In late summer, the plant produces pale green, papery cones, which are prized for their aromatic oils and bitter flavour.

Uses of the Common Hop Plant

Hops are best known for their use in beer production, lending a distinctive bitterness and aroma to brews. They are also valued for their ornamental qualities—the feathery leaves and cascading cones add texture and movement to garden landscapes. Beyond brewing, common hop plant flowers have been used traditionally in herbal remedies and as a natural sleep aid. In a permaculture setting, their dense foliage provides habitat for beneficial insects and shade for companion plants.

For gardeners interested in different hop varieties, Hops 'Smooth Cone' is a popular cultivar especially valued for its consistent yields and mild flavour—well suited to New Zealand’s backyard brewers.

How to Grow Common Hop Plant

Growing the common hop plant is rewarding but requires some preparation. Hops thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and will benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. Space the plants at least one metre apart and provide strong support, as mature vines can become heavy. Pruning in winter keeps the plant healthy and encourages robust spring growth.

Providing a suitable companion plant can increase the hop plant’s visual impact and biodiversity. Shrubs such as Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) or Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush) offer hardy structure and colour alongside hop vines. For low-growing contrast, consider succulents such as Sempervivum tectorum.

Common Hop Plant Care Tips

Keep the roots cool and moist by mulching with organic matter—this is especially important during New Zealand’s hot, dry summers. Training new shoots up sturdy frames will encourage vigorous vertical growth and ensure optimal flower production. Watch for pests such as aphids and be mindful of powdery mildew; good air circulation and careful watering help prevent disease.

Companion Plants and Ideas

The common hop plant pairs beautifully with a variety of garden favourites. For indoor gardening enthusiasts, the striking foliage of Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) offers a lush, contrasting texture indoors, while robust natives like Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) excel outdoors.

Incorporating the common hop plant into your New Zealand garden brings both visual appeal and practical benefits. With just a little care, you’ll enjoy vigorous growth and the unique pleasures this remarkable climber offers season after season.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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Everyone knows classic varieties like Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but you might just fall in love with Quercus ilex, Fagus sylvatica, and Strawberry 'Camarosa'.
–The Plant Company

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