- True hops are perennial
- Only Japanese hops are annuals
- Hops can get very old
- Propagation by cuttings and root division
- Grow perennial hops as a privacy screen in the garden
Hops (Humulus lupulus) or cultivated hops are perennial plants that are cultivated as a useful plant and as an ornamental plant in the garden. Hops can grow in the garden for many years. However, it is not evergreen and is therefore only suitable as a privacy screen in summer.
Real hops can live up to 50 years
True hops are perennial
- perennial
- deciduous
- fast growing
- good protection in summer
Real hops or cultivated hops are always perennial. However, the plant withers in winter. Only dried stems remain.
Hops sprout again in the spring and then form countless new sprouts that are edible and prepared like asparagus.
Only Japanese hops are annuals
In contrast to real hops, the Japanese ornamental hop Humulus japonicus is only one year old. It is therefore also sown and not propagated via cuttings.
Hops can get very old
Real hops can reach a very old age. There are plants whose age is estimated at 50 years. Because hops spread through the roots, it can grow to huge proportions over time.
When tending in the garden, new sprouts should be removed regularly so that the hops do not crowd out other plants.
Propagation by cuttings and root division
Perennial hops are propagated by cuttings and root division. This is the only way to prevent male plants from developing. Male hops are not desirable because their flowers reduce the quality of the fruit that develops on the female plant when fertilized.
Grow perennial hops as a privacy screen in the garden
Hops grow very quickly and form a dense and very high privacy screen in the garden all summer long. He reaches considerable heights within a short time.
Since the climbing plant retracts in winter, it does not offer year-round privacy. However, it will reliably sprout again the following spring.
tips
Hops are easy to care for, only diseases and pests make it more difficult. Check plants regularly for pests and symptoms. If a sticky coating forms, the leaves wither prematurely or discolor, disease or pest infestation is likely.