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Hops

MartineBMartineB Posts: 68
Hello gardeners
We would love to plant some hops in a big pot this year to grow over a big log store. Can you tell me when is the best time to plant and is 1 plant enough? Also what plant shall I go for? Do they grow in semi shade? 

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,152
    edited March 2019
    I planted a golden hop once and enjoyed it for its first season.  The next year it developed world domination tendencies and had to be hacked regularly.  The following year I got fed up and took it out.

    I'd go for a clematis that is suited to the aspect and size - check out this list of clems for semi-shade - http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk/new-clemlist.cfm

    or maybe a honeysuckle or rambling rose which will have perfume too.  David Austin roses have 4 repeat flowering ramblers available.   

    Whatever you choose you'll need the biggest pot you can manage and good compost and a regular watering and feeding regime to keep your chosen plant healthy.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,966
    edited March 2019
    I did the same as Obelixx with a golden hop ... mine lasted exactly the same length of time ... unless you have vast acreage I’d think again. 🙄 

    If if it’s the golden leaves that you’re after, I replaced mine with Clematis alpina ‘Stolwijk Gold’ ... lovely golden leaves and blue flowers too ... big enough to cover a reasonable sized log store but not invasive. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,053
    Mine lasted longer, only because in my very light sandy soil, it had sent out runner underground for many metres in all directions, including under the fence to next door. Much digging didn't diminish its enthusiasm to any great extent and only glyphosate finished it off.
    Devon.
  • If you are thinking of brewing beer the fuggles hop is very nice for a big pot. It’s bright green with lovely hop flowers in summer that hang down. It does need full sun and plenty of feeding.  Ours is in open ground and has to be thinned out for better hops. If
    not for brewing I would choose something pretties personally.
  • MartineBMartineB Posts: 68
    Thank you everybody for all your warnings! I think I will still have a go only because I saw a beautiful one in London while visiting William Morris house in Walthamstow. I will plant it in a big pot though to avoid being invaded.
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