Golden Hops Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'
ABOUT
The golden hops plant, often known simply as 'Aureus', is a vibrant and eye-catching variety distinguished by its golden-yellow foliage. It features heart-shaped leaves that cascade along its climbing vines, bringing a luminous quality to gardens and landscapes. As a twining climber, it exhibits a vigorous growth habit, latching onto supports and structures with ease. The leaves are toothed and possess a delicate texture that provides a striking contrast against the backdrop of darker greenery or the open sky. During the growing season, the golden hops plant produces distinctive cone-like structures that are valued for their aromatic qualities. These cones, light green in color, hang delicately from the vine and are traditionally associated with the brewing of beer, hence the name "hops." The plant's stems and vines are flexible but sturdy, allowing it to drape elegantly over trellises, arbors, or fences. When the sunlight filters through the plant's leaves, it accentuates their golden hue, making the plant glow and enhancing its ornamental appeal in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cannabaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Hops, Aureus Hops.
Common names
Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Golden hops are generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, certain individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities. Ingesting large amounts of the plant is not advisable, as it might cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not commonly associated with severe poisoning or long-term health consequences in humans.
To pets
For pets, particularly dogs, golden hops can be toxic. If a dog ingests golden hops, they may show symptoms such as elevated body temperature, rapid heart rate, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes panting. In severe cases, it can lead to malignant hyperthermia, which is potentially fatal if not treated promptly. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Foliage: Humulus lupulus 'Aureus', commonly known as Golden Hops, has attractive, bright golden-green leaves that add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provider: Its dense foliage can create shady areas in gardens, making it useful for planting over arbors or trellises.
- Screening Plant: The fast-growing vine can quickly cover fences or walls, providing a natural privacy screen.
- Soil Erosion Control: Golden Hops can help anchor soil and prevent erosion with its root system, especially on slopes or banks.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides shelter and potential nesting sites for birds and other wildlife within a garden setting.
- Craft and Brewing Uses: While not related to general garden benefits, Golden Hops is a variety of the same species that is traditionally used in brewing beer for flavoring and stabilization.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of the hop plant can be used to produce a green pigment suitable for textile and craft dyeing.
- In pillow stuffing: Dried hop flowers, known for their pleasant aroma, are sometimes used in sleep pillows to help induce a calm and restful sleep.
- As a flavoring agent: Apart from brewing, the bitter flavor of hops is used in small quantities to flavor some traditional desserts and beverages.
- In cosmetic products: Hop extracts are sometimes included in natural shampoos, soaps, and deodorants due to their aromatic properties.
- As a decorative plant: The 'Aureus' variety of hops, with its attractive golden-green foliage, is often used in garden design as a climbing ornamental plant.
- For erosion control: The vigorous root system of hops helps stabilize soil, making it useful for planting on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- As an educational tool: Hops are used in educational programs about the history of brewing and agriculture.
- In garden compost: Hops are rich in nitrogen and can be added to compost piles to improve the nutrient content of the resulting humus.
- In homemade crafts: The vines and flowers of the hop plant can be used to create wreaths, garlands, and other decorative items.
- As a livestock feed: The spent hop flowers left over from brewing can sometimes be used as a feed supplement for cattle.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe common hop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe common hop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation - Commonly known as "Golden Hops," Humulus lupulus 'Aureus' is related to the hops used in brewing beer, which is often associated with leisure and calming effects.
- Fertility and Abundance - Hops have been an important agricultural crop and symbolize fertility due to their use in beer production and rapid growth habit.
- Healing - Hops have been used in herbal medicine for their sedative properties, symbolizing healing and comfort.
- Sleep and Dreams - The sedative qualities of hops have also made it a symbol for good sleep and pleasant dreams.
WaterGolden hops should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate conditions. During hotter and drier periods, water usage can increase to every other day, with each watering consisting of 1-2 gallons to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. During winter or cooler months, reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks, but always verify that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Regularly check the soil moisture to avoid overwatering, which can damage the plant.
LightGolden hops thrive best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place them in a spot where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The morning sun is especially beneficial, as it prepares the plant for the heat of the day while reducing the risk of foliage burn that might occur with intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe golden hops plant is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; however, the ideal growing temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme conditions for extended periods can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPruning golden hops is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging new growth. Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts, removing any dead or damaged stems and shaping the plant as desired. Pruning can also be done after the first flush of growth to promote a second burst of foliage and blooms. The best time to prune is after the threat of hard frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Golden Hops should be well-draining and fertile with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand will provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingGolden Hops should be repotted every one to two years or when the root system outgrows the current pot to maintain its vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingGolden Hops thrive in moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable to less humid conditions as long as soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and ample space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, ensure rich soil, water regularly, and offer support.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the common hop (Humulus lupulus 'Aureus') begins with seed germination, where under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture, the seeds sprout and develop into seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they develop into vigorously climbing perennial plants with golden-yellow leaves, using rough stems and twining growth to support themselves on structures or other plants. In each growing season, hops produce new stems called bines from a permanent rootstock (crown); these bines grow rapidly, potentially climbing 20-25 feet in a matter of weeks. By mid-summer, mature plants bear separate male and female flowers on different plants, with only the female plants producing the important cones or 'hop flowers' that are harvested. After the growing season, usually in late summer to early fall, the hop cones are harvested, and the bines die back to ground level, leaving the crown dormant over winter. In the following spring, the crown initiates new bine growth, and the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The golden hop vine, known botanically as Humulus lupulus 'Aureus', is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is often done in late spring or early summer. For softwood cuttings, a grower would cut a 4 to 6-inch section (which is approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) of the vine, making sure it has a few sets of leaves. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist starting mix. Covering the pot with a plastic bag helps to maintain humidity, which is conducive to root growth. The cuttings usually root in a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their final location.