Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

A vining perennial that may grow many feet during the growing season. In most gardens (particularly in cold areas), the plant will die back but can grow back from roots the following season. Scarlet flowers reminiscent of common garden beans and peas are born in clusters on short stalks. Podded fruits follow with a few large seeds. The seeds are very pretty themselves and multi-colored.

Hardiness

Not hardy to frosts. Can be grown as an annual in all climates.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun. Unlike most beans, the Scarlet Runner Bean is happy trailing along the ground, so trellising is unnecessary. Water regularly. Grow in moist, rich soil.

Propagation

By seeds, which generally germinate readily in moist soil.

Uses

Usually cultivated as an ornamental for its beautiful flowers and ornamental growth habit. The beans are edible when thoroughly cooked. Raw beans contain a poisonous lectin which is neutralized with thorough cooking. The starchy roots are edible as are the green pods.

Native Range

Native to the mountains of Central America.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Fabaceae
	Acacia caven Espinillo		Acacia farnesiana Sweet Acacia
	Acacia koa Koa		Acacia podalyriifolia Pearl Acacia
	Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses		Bauhinia forficata Brazilian Orchid Tree
	Bauhinia variegata Orchid Tree		Caesalpinia echinata Brazilwood
	Caesalpinia gilliesii Desert Bird of Paradise		Cassia closiana Golden Cassia
	Cassia excelsa Crown of Gold Tree		Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree
	Cassia grandis Coral Shower Tree		Cassia x nealiae (Cassia fistula x javanica) Rainbow Shower Tree
	Ceratonia siliqua Carob		Delonix regia Royal Poinciana
	Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur Coral Tree		Indigofera australis Indigo
	Inga cinnamomea Inga Acu		Inga edulis Ice Cream Bean
	Inga feuillei Pacay		Inga laurina White Inga
	Inga marginata Guabilla		Inga sessilis Monkey Inga
	Inga vulpina Pink Flowered Inga		Inocarpus fagifer Polynesian Chestnut
	Hyacinth Bean Lablab purpurea		Azure Blue Sweet Pea Lathyrus sativus
	Leucaena leucocephala Koa Haole		Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant
	Parkia javanica Sataw		Scarlet Runner Bean Phaseolus coccineus
	Pithecellobium dulce Manila Tamarind		Pithecellobium flexicaule Texas Ebony
	Pongamia pinnata Pongam		Samanea saman Monkey Pod
	Senna alata Candle Bush		Senna multiglandulosa Buttercup Bush
	Senna surattensis Singapore Shower		Strongylodon macrobotrys Jade Vine
	Tamarindus indica Tamarind		Vicia faba Fava Bean