Dwarf  Hops

the New  Perennial  Climber

Compact Hardy Climbers to 2.5m (10-12ft)

with splendid displays of traditional hop cones

in late Summer & Autumn.

Two varieties are currently available:

Humulus lupulus Prima Donna  and

Humulus lupulus Golden Tassels

 

Cones of Golden Tassels

Cones of Prima Donna

  

Ideal Landscaping Plant

Ideal Garden Plant
  • No maintenance
  • Healthy vigorous perennial climber, to 2.5m (7-8ft)
  • Abundant cones for traditional rustic effect
  • Thick foliage for rapid coverage
  • Easy to grow
  • Splendid display of hop cones for traditional rustic feel
  • Compact Climber to just 2.5m (7-8ft)
  • Cones also ideal for indoor displays and home brewing

Dwarf  Hops  -  Background

  

These varieties have come from the commercial hop-breeding programme at Wye College (East Malling Research, formerly HRI Horticulture Research International), with excellent credentials for both health and quantity of hop cone production.  The potential of these varieties as an ornamental plant was quickly realised.

Hops grow well on a wide range of soil types, and thrive particularly in fertile free-draining soil. 

Small insignificant flowers are produced in July, which develop into the cones which become displayed from mid/end August onwards.  Cone production develops in response to shortening days. 

Pruning - stems can be either cut down in Winter, or left and the plant simply allowed to re-grow using the previous years stems as support.

Brewing - harvest the cones in early September when fragrant, slightly sticky.  Dry slowly for several days in an airing cupboard (in the dark) until papery.

            Dwarf  Hop Varieties:

1)  Prima Donna was first available in September 2002.

Abundant healthy mid-green foliage gives good quick coverage. 

The very abundant hop cones make an unusual eye-catching Autumn display.

 
2)  Golden Tassels is a new addition - launched to the trade in September 2003.  With its striking golden foliage it makes an good backdrop to borders, features well on trellis and pergolas.

The young foliage is bright yellow-green and turns increasingly golden during the Summer.  This complements the display of Autumn cones.

             Growing On the Nursery

  
1)   To produce 2-litre plants as a single season crop

These plants may produce a few cones in Autumn if potted early spring.

Pot plugs Feb/March/April.  Cut back after 4-6 weeks.  For sale June/July.

             OR    

 

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2)   Specimen plants in 10-15 litre pots  (two seasons)

These can be also be used for giving a splendid cone display as "living labels"

To produce cones -  the stems of dwarf hops need to be at the top of a 4-5ft cane or trellis by the middle of June.

Do not trim back after mid-June - as this will remove any flowers already initiated, and eliminate cone production.

Pot plugs in July-August, and overwinter as 1- or 2-litre plant under protection.  Allow to go fully dormant.  

Pot liners on Feb/March into the final specimen pot and train up support.  Don't trim or cut back after this.

 

 
Licence details:  Micropropagation Services is producing Prima Donna and Golden Tassels under licence from East Malling.  Both are protected by plant variety rights.  All plants must be sold with the special large colour label supplied, as licence agreement.