Humulus lupulus (Hops) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: A fast-growing, twining perennial vine with rough textured stems and palmately lobed leaves that create dense, architectural foliage. In late summer it produces distinctive papery strobiles rich in resinous lupulin, giving the plant its characteristic golden, aromatic quality. When mature, it forms long, cascading bines that lend a dramatic vertical presence in the garden.

Growing conditions: Thrives in full sun and fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. In Ireland, it performs exceptionally well when given a sturdy trellis, wire frame, or arch due to our mild, moisture-rich climate. As a hardy perennial it overwinters reliably, dying back to the crown before reshooting vigorously each spring. Plant in an open, bright site for strongest cone production.

Traditional & herbal uses: Historically used for its calming resinous compounds, particularly in support of sleep, digestive tension, and nervous restlessness. The aromatic strobiles have also been valued in brewing traditions for their unmistakable bitterness and fragrance. This variety of hops offered at Ivywood is very high in humulone and is excellent for medicinal use. Humulone is one of the key compounds responsible for producing a mild sedative effect by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, helping to calm the nervous system.

The effects can be overpowering for some men and may result in a short-term decrease in sex drive and mood. This is one of the reasons why, traditionally, women carried out most of the work in hop farms and processing.

Maintenance & harvesting: Provide strong vertical support early in the season and train only 2 or 3 shoots as they climb up to 10 feet or more. Remove other young shoots to allow strong growth to the main shoots. Cut back old bines to ground level in late winter to encourage vigorous spring regrowth. Plants spread through rhizomes, so lifting and dividing the crown helps both propagation and control. Cones are harvested when papery, fragrant, and beginning to dry on the bine—typically late summer into early autumn. All plants are grown from cutting in our nursery in Co. Clare to ensure you receive a female species that will flower.