Here’s some info about a climbing herb that has moved house with me several times – Hops Humulus lupulus

Hops

Perennial (annual varieties are available)

Hardy to Zone 3

Height: 20’ – 25’ + (very fast grower)

Full sun

Well drained soil

Flowers (Bracts actually) are cone shaped, multi layered, light green 3” long

Leaves are medium green, resembling grape leaves

Propagate by divisions

Can become mildly invasive

Somewhat susceptible to spider mites and aphids

Somewhat susceptible to mildew, molds and rust, but easily prevented or controlled by providing good air circulation

Requires a strong trellis/arbour/fence to grow on

Flowers do not have a very pleasant scent, especially when dried

Leaves can cause mild dermatitis, so wear gloves and long sleeves when working with it

Harvest flowers just as they open out and when they are still fairly green

Uses:

Beer of course.

The dried flowers are used to make sleep pillows (mix with a pleasantly fragranced herb such as lemon verbena to offset the scent of the hops).

There is some question about whether it is the hops, or the alcohol, in beer that causes drowsiness. Probably both!

Dried flowers are lovely additions to wreaths and dried arrangements

Dry the flowers on the (harvested) vine and draped across a mantel or high cupboard looks so homey. Hint: Set it up where it won’t be disturbed too often as flowers become quite fragile.

Medicinally, the flowers have antiseptic properties and are said to relieve swelling when make into a poultice and applied externally

The last of the sweet peas of 2008

Photos of the plants still blooming after our 6″ snowfall.

Confession time again. I am not a fan of Clematis. I would even go so far as to say I dislike Clematis. Intensely dislike! If you are among those gardeners who feel no garden is complete without a vine or two you are at this moment in shock no doubt. My apologies for any discomfort you may be experiencing.

The list of reasons I have not been swayed over to the Clematis side is quite extensive, but the three biggest are: They are blowsy. They are over used. The colours are boring.

However, there are two exceptions and one of them is growing in our garden. It is Clematis tangutica “Radar Love”.

This particular variety does not look like your typical Clematis. It is quite a subdued, subtle bell shaped flower in my favourite colour, yellow. In the fall the seed heads are like the usual tufts of the common varieties. (The seeds heads can be dried and used in winter arrangements by the way.)

Our vines were grown from seed in our greenhouse three years ago. The first year they languished in pots as I struggled to find a spot for them. The second year, they began their journey skyward on an arbour in the back garden, producing only a few insignificant blooms, and sparse foliage. They were rather unspectacular, but I knew enough to give them one more year to prove their worth.

This, their third year, has made the wait worthwhile! The vines have filled out beautifully and reached the eight foot mark, with no signs of stopping. “Radar” is full of flowers and buds, promising colour that will linger into fall when their distinct seed heads will provide visual and tactile interest.

I have not fussed over these vines, leaving to them to fend for themselves. In defiance of the authorities’ recommendations, “Radar” has never been pruned or mulched and was fertilized only during its first two months in the ground. Growing at the edge of a garden well supplemented with compost and manure has no doubt contributed to their success. Insects and disease have not been an issue (touch wood) so far.

Should you want to give these non-clematis looking Clematis a try, here’s what the expert Clematis growers say about Clematis tangutica:

Propagation: from fresh seed in cold frame or division in early spring or softwood cutting in spring. Layer in late winter/early spring.

Height: 15’ – 20’

Width: 6’ – 10’

Hardy: Zones 6 – 9

Flowering Period: mid summer to late fall

Exposure: full sun

Soil: fertile, well drained soil

Fertilizing: composted manure around crown of plant

Growing: provide good support and tie stems as needed to train on trellis/arbour

Pruning; cut back to 8” in spring just as buds begin to appear.

Winter Protection: mulch

Pests: whitefly, aphids and scale

Diseases: powdery mildew, rust and wilt