About
This climbing perennial, often grown as an annual. White flowers appear throughout the summer and early autumn which turn into thick, green, juicy pods.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity 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 up support 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to chocolate spot, downy mildews, foot and root rot and powdery mildews