Various plants can be found commercially as ornamental hops, including the perennial true hop Humulus lupulus and the annual Japanese ornamental hop Humulus japonicus. However, here we are talking about Beloperone or Justitia brandegeana.
Is ornamental hops perennial?
Ornamental hops, such as Beloperone or Justitia brandegeana, are perennial plants that last for many years. For a long lifespan, they need lots of light, regular watering and a cooler location in winter. In spring the plant can be cut back to half to promote compact growth.
Both names are common for indoor or ornamental hops. This plant belongs to the hogweed family and is not related to hops at all, only the pretty inflorescences look similar to real hop flowers. Ornamental hops are mostly traded as houseplants and can last for many years. To prevent it from getting out of shape over time, you can prune it in spring.
How do my ornamental hops last particularly long?
In order for your ornamental hops to show their colorful inflorescences for several years, they need a lot of light. However, it doesn't tolerate the blazing midday sun very well. Therefore, it needs a little shade on a south-facing window during midday. If it continuously receives little light, the colors of the inflorescences fade.
For a long lifespan, you should take good care of the ornamental hops. That's not a big effort with this plant. It just needs to be watered regularly and fertilized a little about once a week. Its root ball must never dry out completely.
Do ornamental hops need special winter care?
In winter, avoid fertilizing and limit watering. During this time, the ornamental hops can also be kept a little cooler at around 15 °C. If the indoor hops overwinter too warmly, they sometimes drop their leaves but sprout again in the spring.
The same thing can happen if you water the ornamental hops too much in winter. Cut it back to half its size in spring, then the ornamental hops will grow nice and bushy and compact.
The most important things in brief:
- lasts for many years
- needs a lot of light and air, but no direct sun
- loses the bright color of its inflorescences in the shade
- actual flower very inconspicuous
- should be watered regularly
- Root ball should never dry out completely
- likes to be cooler in winter
- can be cut back to half in spring
Tip
You can enjoy your indoor or ornamental hops for many years if you place them in a bright, not too warm place and water them regularly.
