Re: Humulus lupulus:'Aurea'
For some reason, I continue to harbour this 'triffid' despite the fact
that the gorgeous, pale, lime green leaves become quite badly sun
scorched by mid summer. I grow the male form at the moment which
produces dense clusters of creamy flowers in July. It runs 20 feet
sideways along the fence, as well as shooting 15 feet up into a big
Pittosporum undulatum. I've got a maroon flowered Clematis viticella
(var. Kermesina) which attempts to compete with it and provides a mass
of contrasting flowers from late summer onwards.
The whole lot is chopped back to ground level in early winter and
every other year, the Hop is ruthlessly cut in half - courtesy of a
spade thrust into the centre and part of the root stock ripped out.
If I can't find an unwary victim for the unwanted pieces, they are
burnt, since even the tiniest bit has greater rejuvenative powers than
the proverbial Phoenix!
David Poole
Torquay UK
