About
A climbing runner bean usually grown as an annual and reaching up to 3m tall. Large red flowers in summer are followed by mid-green, edible pods up to 35cm long, from late summer until the first frosts.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
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
CultivationGrow up support in any moisture retentive soil in full sun. For more information see runner-bean cultivation
PruningRemove tips of shoots once they reach the top of the support
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to black bean aphid and to slugs, snails and birds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to foot rot