Humulus lupulus Nordbrau - Hop

Humulus lupulus 'Nordbrau' is a variety of female hop with large aromatic fruits that can be used for brewing beer. This fast-growing vine with highly fragrant summer flowers can effectively cover a fence, an unsightly wall, or an old tree. After taking on warm brown-golden colours in autumn, the hop disappears during winter. It will appreciate a rich, moist, and well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

The 'Nordbrau' hop is a vine belonging to the Cannabaceae family, which also includes hackberries (Celtis) and hemp. Widely distributed and naturalised around the world, including in Europe, the origin of wild hops is not known with certainty. Indeed, this plant has been cultivated for a long time for the production of beer, to which it generally imparts numerous aromas. In Alsace, for example, it is not uncommon to come across hop fields, vast expanses covered with tall oblique stakes used to support the vine. Hops are also dioecious plants: in summer, it is the female plants that produce highly fragrant flower spikes, which then develop into typical "cones" in autumn, used for brewing beer. These decorative green, yellow-golden, and then brown cones are also beautiful in dried bouquets. The deeply lobed leaves with large teeth are also highly ornamental and turn russet-brown in autumn. The rough and voluble stems (which can be eaten when young, like asparagus) allow the plant to cling and climb easily on surrounding plants.

The 'Nordbrau' variety flowers late in summer and produces large and aromatic cones. It will delight both gardeners and beer enthusiasts! Under favourable conditions, it can reach a length of over 5m.

Very hardy, hops appreciate humus-rich and moist soils that are well-drained, not too heavy or too poor. Partial shade or not too scorching sun suits them well. This fast-growing vine can quickly cover large surfaces and occupy significant volumes. Therefore, it needs sufficient space for its development, or the opportunity to climb on nearby structures. However, its herbaceous nature and lack of climbing roots make it a safe plant for the buildings it grows on. It is excellent for quickly concealing an old wall, a decaying or uninteresting tree, or even a separating fence. It is possible to take herbaceous cuttings in March or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Seed sowing is quite simple but rarely produces offspring that are true to the original variety. In late winter, simply prune the dry stems to 30cm above the ground.

Combine the 'Nordbrau' hop with other vigorously growing plants, such as Clematis montana 'Tetrarose', Actinidia kolomikta with its beautiful variegated leaves, Akebia quinata, honeysuckle, or Clematis vitalba (a particularly vigorous native species). With these woody, generous, and wild neighbours it will create a fantastic, ever-changing, rustic, and welcoming scene!