Phaseolus coccineus 'Liberty'

bean (runner) 'Liberty'
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

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Raw 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
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow up support in any moisture retentive soil in full sun. For more information see runner-bean cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove tips of shoots once they reach the top of the support
Pests
May be susceptible to black bean aphid and to slugs, snails and birds
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot rot
Get involved
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