Crop type: Runner Beans
Phaseolus coccineus ‘Stardust’ PBR AGM
Common name: Runner bean ‘Stardust’
Crop slug: runner-beans
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile and its linked crop guidance. Check the sources and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Stardust’ is a British-bred runner and French bean hybrid with an RHS Award of Garden Merit. It is self-fertile and noted for a heavy crop even when weather is unfavourable. White flowers develop into long, smooth green beans over an extended season, with reliable setting both earlier and later than many traditional runners.
The vigorous twining plant reaches about 3m in one season. Although Phaseolus coccineus can be perennial in a suitable climate, ‘Stardust’ is grown as a frost-tender summer annual in the UK.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 2.5–4 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 1–1.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- One year
- Habit
- Twining climber
Install a strong support about 2.5m high before planting. Allow 15–30cm between plants and sufficient space around the frame for light, airflow and regular harvesting.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam or sand improved with organic matter
- Moisture
- Moist but well drained
- Preferred pH
- Acid, alkaline or neutral
Dig in generous well-rotted compost or manure before sowing or planting. Keep the root zone consistently moist once flowers open; drought can interrupt pod development even in a cultivar selected for dependable set. Mulch warm soil to reduce evaporation.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- East-, south- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H2, tolerant of low temperatures but not freezing
Plant outside after the final frost and only once the soil is warm. Harden indoor-raised seedlings gradually. Shelter protects the tall frame and supports pollinator activity, though the cultivar’s self-fertility helps it crop in poorer weather.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
Green trifoliate leaves cover the tall twining stems. Clusters of clean white pea-like flowers appear in summer and are followed by long, smooth green runner beans. The flower colour distinguishes ‘Stardust’ from scarlet-flowered cultivars, while the notably straight, smooth pods and sustained production identify its edible crop.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
- Accepted
- Recognition
- Plant Breeders’ Rights, Award of Garden Merit and Plants for Pollinators
Genus
Phaseolus comprises annual and perennial legumes, usually climbing or trailing, with trifoliate leaves. Members are cultivated for edible pods and seeds as well as for ornamental flowers, green manure and animal feed.
Safety
Raw runner bean pods and beans are harmful if eaten and must be cooked. Prevent pets from consuming raw material and use suitable protection when handling if needed.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Sow 5cm deep indoors from mid-April or outside after frost when soil is at least 12°C. Plant beside canes, netting or a firm frame in fertile moisture-retentive soil. Guide shoots onto the support and pinch the leader when it reaches the top. Water frequently during flowering and pod swelling; feed container plants fortnightly with a high-potassium fertiliser from first bloom.
Pick pods at about 20–25cm while young and tender. Harvest every two or three days to prevent seeds swelling and to sustain further flowering through the cultivar’s long season.
Propagation
Propagate from seed. Raise plants individually in small pots, harden them off and plant outdoors in late May or early June. Protect direct sowings from cold wet soil, slugs, snails and birds.
Suggested locations
- Allotment bean frame
- Productive kitchen garden
- Cottage or informal garden
- Wildlife-friendly edible border
- Sunny wall-side support
Pruning
No formal pruning is required. Pinch out the main shoot at the top of the support and remove spent top growth after the final harvest.
Pests
Slugs and snails may damage young growth, and blackfly can gather on soft shoots. Inspect seedlings and growing tips regularly.
Diseases
May be susceptible to runner and French bean rust. Provide airflow, rotate legumes and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.