Description | Sunset Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) is a beautiful heirloom vine with light pink flowers. The blossoms and the flat green pods are also edible and can be used as dried or fresh beans. Additionally, this plant attracts a lot of hummingbirds. |
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Pronunciation | (FAZ-ee-oh-lus)(kok-SIN-ee-us) |
Plant Type | Annuals, Vines, Edible Fruit, Site author's observations |
Hardiness Zone | 8-10 |
Sunlight | full, mostly sunny |
Moisture | average, some additional water during dry spells |
Soil & Site | average |
Growing Media | It is a vigorous twining vine. |
Flowers | The flower has an irregular form with five fused petals, also known as the banner, wings, and keel. All parts of the flower are pink. The florets are borne in an inflorescence called a raceme. |
Fruit | Green bean pods are edible, and seeds can be collected as dry beans. The pod can have a hairy texture. |
Leaves | simple, green, trifoliate |
Stems | It may be necessary to guide the vigorous twining vine as it wraps itself rapidly around anything it touches. |
Roots | "tuberous roots" (#272) |
Dimensions | my plants quickly get over 8 feet |
Maintenance | The vines are heavy and needs a strong support, such as trellis, tripods, etc. Newly planted bean vines may need help finding the support to twine on. |
Propagation | You can plant the seed pods directly into the soil (insitu). However, I prefer starting them indoors using a biodegradable pot like a peat pot. |
Native Site | Phaseolus coccineus is native to the tropical Americas. It has been in cultivation at least since the 19th century. |
Author's Notes | I have grown three different cultivars of Runner Beans, and all were an excellent addition to the garden. |
Notes & Reference | #109-Annuals and Tender Perennials for North American Gardens (Wayne Winterroud), #272-Wisconsin Horticulture Extention (/hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cardinal-climber-ipomoea-sloteri/), Authors' observations and growing experiences |