About
A vigorous, twining climber grown as an annual, with fresh green, heart-shaped leaves and orange-red flowers from early summer These are followed, from mid-summer, by straight, smooth, green pods up to 30cm long, eaten as runner beans while still immature.
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 pHAlkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage 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 shoot tips once they reach the top of the support
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 foot rot