Phaseolus vulgaris
French bean
The wild common bean from which a vast number of edible beans have been bred, including all the 'French' beans. They are annual, twining climbers with green tri-foliate leaves, though many selected varieties are dwarf. The flowers are mostly purple, but can also be white or pink. They develop into long slender pods of green, yellow, purple or almost black, and contain seeds - also called beans - which are usually white, but can be patterned or plain in brown, orange, black, red or pink.
Other common names
borlotti beanbutter bean
see morecannellini bean
common kidney bean
dwarf kidney bean
flageolet bean
French bean
frijol
green bean
haricot bean
pea bean
pinto bean
salad bean
snap bean
string bean
wax bean
year bean
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White Pink | Green | Green Black Purple Yellow | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Tropical America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow up support in any fertile, moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more advice see french-bean cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Edible fruit
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to black bean aphids. Young plants also need protection from slugs and snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.