The Garden Meets the Glass with Hops

If you’ve ever admired the towering green walls of a hop yard in Oregon, you might be surprised to learn hops are just as happy here in Southwest Colorado. Sure, they’re famous for beer brewing, but they’re also one of the fastest-growing, most dramatic vines you can add to a garden.

Why Grow Hops?

• Fast growth. Plant them in spring, and by midsummer you’ll have 15–20 feet of leafy green.
• Ornamental wow-factor. Big, textured leaves climb skyward and look lush all summer.
• Useful cones. Yes, they flavor beer — but they also smell amazing and can be used in teas or homemade sachets.

Where They’ll Do Best

Hops like sun and a bit of pampering when young, but once established they’re surprisingly tough:

• Durango & Mancos: South- or west-facing trellises are perfect. Just make sure they’ve got something sturdy to climb.
• Pagosa & higher elevations: Hops can thrive, though the season is shorter. Choose hardy varieties and give them an early start if you can.
• Cortez & Montezuma County: Hot summers don’t scare them — just keep the roots well-watered. Afternoon shade is a bonus in really exposed sites.
• Aztec & Northern New Mexico: Long growing season = tall, vigorous hops. Late frosts may nip early shoots, but they bounce back fast.
• USDA Zones: 4–9.

How to Use Them in the Garden

• Shade in a hurry. Train hops up strings, wires, or a pergola for a living green curtain.
• Screening. Perfect for covering a fence or hiding an unsightly shed.
• Brewer’s delight. Grow your own cones for small-batch brewing (and bragging rights).

Care Snapshot

• Sun: Full sun, though a touch of afternoon shade won’t hurt in hotter valleys.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining, with plenty of compost to fuel growth.
• Water: Regular deep watering during the heat of summer keeps vines lush.
• Pruning: Cut back to the ground each fall/winter — they regrow from the crown every spring.

Local Tip

These vines don’t just grow — they rocket. Plan ahead with a sturdy trellis, pole, or even a tall fence. And yes, deer will sometimes nibble young shoots, but once hops take off, they’re usually left alone.

Ready to Hop In?

Whether you’re dreaming of a shady backyard retreat or your own homebrew supply, hops are a rewarding (and slightly wild) addition to a Southwest Colorado garden.

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