Phaseolus coccineus 'Hestia'
bean (runner) 'Hestia'
'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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red White | Green | Green | |
Autumn | Green | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Start from seed in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Plant outside once all risk of frost has passed in a warm, sunny, sheltered site; incorporate well-rotted manure into soil before planting and keep the soil moist when plants are flowering to ensure good fruit set. See runner-bean cultivation for further advice
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
Get involved
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