Phaseolus coccineus 'Hestia'

RHS Plant Profile

bean (runner) 'Hestia'

RHS

Climber Wall Shrub Fruit Edible

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'Hestia' is a dwarf runner bean grown as an annual crop. It has a bushy compact habit up to 45cm tall and so is well-suited to growing in containers. Bi-coloured red and white flowers in summer are followed by long, straight, stringless pods

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 1 year
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
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 in any moisture retentive soil in full sun. For more information see runner-bean cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
City and courtyard gardens
Wildlife gardens
Climber and wall shrubs
Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally problem- free but can be susceptible to foot and root rot