About
Hestia' is a dwarf runner bean grown as an annual crop. Bi-coloured red and white flowers in summer are followed by long, straight, stringless pods. It has a bushy compact habit up to 45cm tall and so is well-suited to growing in containers.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, 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
CultivationGrow in any moisture retentive soil in full sun. For more information see runner-bean cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally problem- free but can be susceptible to foot and root rot