About
A sweet flavoured runner bean with up to 30cm long of minimal string, smooth, fleshy pods and attractive red flowers. It has a high temperature tolerance.
About the genus
Phaseolus are annual or perennial legumes, usually climbing or trailing in form, and with trifoliate leaves. Grown as crop plants for their edible seeds, including runner, French and lima beans, as well as for animal feed, green manures and as ornamentals
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityRaw pods/beans harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationSow seeds indoors from mid April for an earlier harvest or outdoors after the last frost. They will grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile well-drained soil. Use canes or wigwams and two plants per cane. Pick beans regularly to ensure continous production. See runner-bean cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot, bean mosaic, Botrytis, blight.