Phaseolus coccineus 'Red Knight'
bean (runner) 'Red Knight'
'Red Knight' is a vigorous, twining climber grown as an annual, with bright green, heart-shaped leaves and orange-red flowers in summer. These are followed by long, straight, green pods, eaten young as runner beans
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Red | Green | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Start from seed in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Plant outside once all risk of frost has passed in a warm, sunny, sheltered site; incorporate well-rotted manure into soil before planting and keep the soil moist when plants are flowering to ensure good fruit set. Plants need substantial supports. See runner-bean cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wall side borders
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
Remove tips of shoots once they reach the top of the support
Pests
May be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to foot rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.