Hops Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna'
ABOUT
The 'Prima Donna' is a variety of the hop plant known for its ornamental and brewing qualities. It typically has a climbing or twining growth habit, wrapping itself around supports as it grows. The leaves are heart-shaped, lobed, often with three to five points, and have a deep green color that can add lushness to any garden space. The edges of the leaves are serrated, giving them a somewhat jagged appearance. During the blooming period, the plant produces cone-shaped flowers known as hop cones or strobiles. These cones are initially green and may acquire a pale yellow hue as they mature. The cones are paper-like to the touch and contain the resins and aromatic oils that are prized in the brewing industry for adding bitterness, flavor, and stability to beer. The 'Prima Donna' hop plant is particularly valued for not only its decorative appeal in the garden but also for its role in home brewing, where the cones are harvested and used to impart unique taste characteristics to homemade ales and lagers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Prima Donna Hop, First Gold Hop, Dwarf Hop
Common names
Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hops, which are the flowers of the Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', are not generally considered toxic to humans. They are commonly used in the production of beer. However, consuming hops in unusually large quantities could potentially lead to adverse effects due to their sedative properties. Individuals sensitive to hops might experience sleepiness or grogginess. Direct contact with hops can occasionally cause skin irritation in some people. Ingesting any part of the plant beyond typical culinary uses is not advised and can lead to stomach discomfort or more severe symptoms depending on the amount consumed and the individual's sensitivity.
To pets
Hops can be toxic to dogs and possibly other pets. The most common common name for Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna' is simply "hops." If ingested by dogs, hops can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as malignant hyperthermia, where the body temperature rises rapidly. Symptoms of hops poisoning in pets can include restlessness, panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, vomiting, abdominal pain, and seizures. Immediate veterinary care is critical if a pet consumes hops. Cats are generally more discerning eaters and less likely to ingest hops, but the same precautions should be taken to avoid potential toxicity.
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
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: The Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', commonly known as hops, has attractive, vibrant green cone-like fruits and lush foliage, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Climbing Growth Habit: As a climbing plant, it can cover arbors, trellises, or fences, providing shade and privacy to garden spaces.
- Ease of Cultivation: It is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to grow and maintain, tolerating a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Pollinator Attraction: Hops attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
- Beer Production: 'Prima Donna' hops are used in brewing for flavoring beer, offering homebrewers a source of fresh, organic hops.
- Craft Uses: Dried hops can be used in floral arrangements and various crafts, providing an opportunity for creative gardening projects.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers seasonal interest with its dynamic growth in spring and summer followed by an autumnal display of ripe hop cones.
- Shading and Cooling: The dense foliage can provide cooling through shade, which can be beneficial during hot summer months.
- Preservation of Heritage Varieties: Growing 'Prima Donna' hops helps in the preservation of traditional and heritage varieties of the plant.
- Fresh Aroma: Hops plants emit a pleasant, distinctive aroma that can add a sensory element to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Medical Properties- Sedative effects: Hops, the flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, have been traditionally used for their sedative properties, helping to promote sleep and relaxation.
- Anxiolytic effects: The calming properties associated with hops may help alleviate anxiety, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.
- Estrogenic effects: Hops contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds similar to estrogen, possibly influencing menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
- Antibacterial activity: Hops have shown antibacterial properties, particularly against gram-positive bacteria, which might be useful in addressing certain infections.
- Antioxidant activity: The plant contains various compounds with antioxidant effects, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and may have a positive impact on overall health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Hops have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial in reducing inflammation-related conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Beer Flavoring: The most common use of hops is to provide bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer, with 'Prima Donna' hops adding a distinct, balanced hop character.
- Natural Preservative: Hops have antimicrobial properties, which historically have been used to preserve beer and may be utilized for other food preservation applications.
- Textile Fiber: The fibrous stems of hops plants can be processed into a textile material for crafting natural fabrics or ropes.
- Dye Plant: The leaves and flowers of hops can be used in the production of natural dyes for coloring textiles with variating shades of greens and yellows.
- Garden Ornamentation: With its climbing habit and vigorous growth, hops can be cultivated as an ornamental plant to create lush green coverage or privacy screens in gardens.
- Companion Planting: Because of their strong aroma, hops can be grown alongside other crops to naturally deter pests or attract beneficial insects.
- Soil Improvement: As a perennial plant, hops can offer soil stabilization and improve soil structure in agricultural or garden settings.
- Animal Bedding: The bines and leaves of hops can be dried and used for bedding material in chicken coops and stables, providing a soft and absorbent base.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried hops flowers and vines can be incorporated into unique floral arrangements or wreaths for decoration.
- Culinary Ingredient: Although not common, the shoots and young leaves of hops can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a flavoring agent in some culinary dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe hops plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe hops plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Intoxication: As hops are a primary ingredient in beer, they symbolize the state of euphoria or the intoxicating effect that fermented beverages can bring.
- Relaxation: The sedative effects of hops are well-documented, often used in herbal remedies to promote relaxation and calmness.
- Sleep Aid: Pillows filled with hops have been traditionally used to help with sleep disorders, so hops can symbolize sleep or the alleviation of insomnia.
- Fertility: Due to their rampant growth and vigorous vine habit, hops can be associated with fertility and abundance.
- Healing: Hops have been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, thus symbolizing healing and therapeutic properties.
WaterThe common hop or Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna' requires watering deeply about once a week, although this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. Aim to give the hops about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. It's important to reduce watering as the plant approaches dormancy in the fall to avoid excess moisture that could cause root problems.
LightCommon hops thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade, with a preference for a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when planted facing south or west to maximize light exposure. The plant can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but abundant sunlight is key for robust growth and optimal hop production.
TemperatureCommon hops grow well in a temperature range between 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy plants that can tolerate brief periods of colder weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit without severe damage. However, the ideal growing conditions for hops are in regions where they can experience a dormant winter season followed by a temperate spring and summer with temperatures mostly in the 60 to 70-degree range.
PruningPruning common hops is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging productive growth. In early spring, trim back any dead or weak growth. Once bines start to grow, select 3-4 of the healthiest bines per rope or support system and prune away the others to focus the plant's energy on these. Pruning is best done before the growth period in spring and after harvest in late summer when you'll trim the bines to ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor hops, or more specifically Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', the ideal soil mix is well-draining with a composition of loamy soil, rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or aged manure will support healthy growth.
RepottingHops, also known as Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', typically don't require frequent repotting as they are most commonly grown outdoors. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingHumulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', commonly referred to as hops, prefers moderate humidity levels. While the plant can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, it thrives best when the ambient humidity is between 40-70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, trellis for climbing, rich soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure rich soil, water well, and provide support.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as the 'Prima Donna' hop plant, Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna' initiates its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, given adequate warmth and moisture. Seedlings develop into vigorous vines known as bines, which climb by wrapping around supports with strong clockwise spiraling stems. Throughout spring and summer, the bines grow rapidly, producing lobed leaves and eventually flowering; female plants yield cone-like structures called hop cones. These hop cones mature by late summer to early fall and contain lupulin glands that are harvested for their aromatic and bittering qualities, particularly valued in beer brewing. After cone harvest, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter as the bines die back to the perennial rootstock. In the following spring, new bines emerge from the rootstock, continuing the annual growth and reproducing cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For Humulus lupulus 'Prima Donna', commonly known as the hop plant, the most popular method of propagation is by rhizome cuttings. This typically takes place in spring, just as the plant comes out of dormancy and before new growth begins. To propagate, gardeners dig up the hop plant and carefully remove a section of rhizome, which is a horizontal underground stem that often sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. The removed rhizome should include at least one bud or "eye". It is then planted horizontally in the soil, about 4 inches deep (approximately 10 centimeters), either in a pot for later transplanting or directly in the final growing location, ensuring that the eyes are facing upwards. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage growth. Over time, new shoots emerge from the buds, developing into a new hop plant that is genetically identical to the parent.
