Scarlet Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
📖 About this plant
A dual-purpose vine equally valued for its stunning scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers and its edible beans. The vigorous climbing stems quickly cover trellises and teepees with lush green foliage and chains of brilliant red blossoms from midsummer onward. Produces large, flavorful beans that can be eaten fresh when young or dried and stored. An outstanding choice for edible landscaping.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun (6+ hrs)
Every 2-3 days
Moderate (50-65%)
15-25°C
Rich, well-draining loam with plenty of organic matter; pH 6.0-6.8
Low-nitrogen fertilizer or compost worked into soil before planting; avoid excess nitrogen as it reduces pod production
🌐 Common Names
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Central America — Mexico, Guatemala highlands
- 📏 Max height
- 300-500 cm
- 📐 Spread
- 100-300 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Summer
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Red, Orange
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Annual
- 📈 Growth rate
- Very Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Raw beans contain phytohaemagglutinin — toxic if eaten raw; fully cooked beans and all other plant parts are safe
- 🌱 Propagation
- Direct seed sowing after last frost; seeds are large and germinate readily in warm soil
🛡️ Health & Safety
Raw beans contain phytohaemagglutinin — toxic if eaten raw; fully cooked beans and all other plant parts are safe
Common issues
- Heat can reduce flower set and pod production
- Aphids and bean beetles may affect plants
- Needs sturdy support for heavy growth
💡 Care tips
- Vibrant red flowers attract hummingbirds and bees
- Quickly covers a trellis or fence up to 10 feet tall
- Young beans are edible when harvested at 4-6 inches
- Can be grown as an ornamental or edible plant
