A pretty half hardy perennial climber which is usually grown in this country as a half hardy annual. It has large variegated leaves. The new spring leaves are edible. This can also be used for making beer, although it is said to be an inferior taste to ordinary hops. Medicinally, this has been used in the past as a diuretic. It will quickly grow to 3 metres tall.
culture:
– a half hardy perennial
-needs a rich, moist but well drained soil
-will grow in full sun, or semi shade
– can be grown as an annual or if growing as a perennial, it must be taken in for the winter and protected from frost
– sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse. Seeds need bottom heat to germinate successfully.
-divisions and cuttings in spring through summer
