Photo: Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Japanese hop: when and how to prune
Humulus japonicus
Japanese hop is best pruned in May–August.
| Pruning months | May–August |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in May–August |
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Japanese hop: when to prune it?
Pull in May–June; mow in June–August, always before flowering and seed set.
What else to prune in those months? May · June · July · August
Japanese hop: how to prune it?
- Pull or mow all plants before the first flowers appear.
- Come back every 3–4 weeks: new seedlings keep appearing into the summer.
- Also remove plants climbing up into hedges and shrubs: cut the stems at the base and pull them loose carefully.
- Clean gloves, clothes and tools before you leave so that no seeds travel with you.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in May–August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Never put plants with seed on the compost heap: the seeds survive and germinate again the following spring.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Japanese hop · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.