Phaseolus coccineus 'Firestorm'
bean (runner) 'Firestorm'
A twining climber reaching 3m with green leaves. Scarlet flowers develop into long, smooth runner beans. It is reliable even in poorer weather, both earlier and later in the season. In the UK it is grown as a summer annual, lasting only one year.
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Orange | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Red Orange | Green | Green | |
| 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow up support in moisture-retention soil which is close to a neutral pH, in full sun. For more advice see runner-bean cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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
May be susceptible to a rust and halo blight
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.