Humulus lupulus Aureus

Humulus lupulus Aureus, also known as the golden hop, is a large climbing plant that is highly decorative and should be placed in a sunny location. Its fruits appear in late August. Delivered in large pots, this golden variety quickly establishes itself in the garden. It tolerates all positions in the garden well, although it prefers a semi-shaded position where it thrives. It is a perennial herbaceous vine with a large fleshy root that regenerates the entire vegetation every year and spends the winter dormant underground. The hop is a dioecious plant, meaning there are male and female plants.

Humulus lupulus is a plant from the Cannabaceae family, originally from wet areas in the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, America). The golden hop distinguishes itself by being slightly less vigorous and having very blonde foliage in spring. Its herbaceous, rough stems emerge from the stump in spring, quickly entwining on to any support available. Their growth is very rapid, they grow several centimeters per day and can reach over 6m (20ft) in a season. They bear leaves measuring up to 15cm (6in) in diameter, pointed with crenate lobes. The yellow colour of the leaves is very pronounced in spring, gradually turning lime-green and tender green in summer. The male or female flowers, found on separate plants, appear in summer, from June to August depending on the climate. They become cones on the female plants after pollination by a male plant. The cones are ovoid in shape, have a scaly appearance, turn golden when ripe, and are covered in an aromatic and powdery resin called lupulin. They are usually harvested in September. Male plants bear flowers in large panicles.

In ornamental gardens, the golden hop complements well with a yellow or white climbing rose and pairs nicely with a robust clematis with blue flowers like 'Blue Angel'. It breathes new life into an old tree, conceals a tired garden shed or unsightly structure, and bathes a trellis or pergola on a patio in golden hues. The beautiful blonde reflections of its foliage brighten up semi-shaded areas and add another dimension to them. Consider planting this golden hop as a backdrop for hydrangeas, or even combining it in a mixed hedge with an Akebia quinata 'Cream Form'. You can also train it to climb over an arch or a large teepee, or to cover an unsightly pole in the garden... The flowers, when picked in September, make beautiful dried bouquets.

The female inflorescences, the cones, have been used to flavour beer since the 8th century. Previously, hops were only used to ensure the preservation of beer.  This tradition has remained (despite modern preservation technologies), due to the slight bitterness and flavour that hops bring.