Overview
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Phaseolus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, climber and wall shrubs and edible fruit.
About
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' is a climbing French bean cultivar belonging to the genus Phaseolus, which includes annual and perennial legumes with climbing or trailing habits and trifoliate leaves. This deciduous climber thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered walls, preferring moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H2, it is best grown in fertile soil with roots shaded. 'Empress' is valued for its edible fruit and is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, offering interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phaseolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Climber and wall shrubs, Edible fruit
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress'
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Blackfly, Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Runner and French bean rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress'?
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' need?
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' hardy in the UK?
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Phaseolus vulgaris 'Empress'?
Seed.
More in the Phaseolus genus
- Phaseolus vulgaris 'Lipsos'PBR
- Phaseolus vulgaris 'Meccearly'PBR
- Phaseolus vulgaris 'Orinoco'bean (dwarf French) 'Orinoco'
- Phaseolus vulgaris 'Prodigon'kidney bean 'Prodigon'