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Climber Wall ShrubFruit Edible

Phaseolus coccineus 'Armstrong'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bean (runner) 'Armstrong'

A twining climber reaching 3m with green leaves. It is fast-maturing and scarlet flowers quckly develop into long, smooth runner beans. In the UK it is grown as a summer annual, lasting only one year.

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Orange Green Green
Autumn Red Orange Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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 moisture-retention soil which is close to a neutral pH, in full sun. For more advice see runner-bean cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails.

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and halo blight

Get involved

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