Hyacinth bean is an annual vine that offers both attractive flowers and fruits. The purple pea-type flowers will produce bean ‘pods’ that are magenta-colored.
Size and Method of Climbing:
Hyacinth bean is an annual vine, but it is still capable of growing 12 to 15 feet in a season. It is a twining vine. Twining vines climb by twisting their stems or leaf stalks around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires, or chain-link fences.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Hyacinth bean is native to Africa.
Leaf description:
The alternate leaves are trifoliate (three leaflets). They are dark green, often with a purplish tinge.
Flower description:
The pea-type flowers are lavender-purple in color. They are produced from mid-summer until frost.
Fruit description:
The fruit are magenta-colored ‘bean pods’ (legumes). Beans should not be eaten raw. They need to be boiled before eating.
Plant care:
Grow hyacinth beans in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It is easily grown from seed. Start it indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost, and transplant it outside once the danger of frost has passed.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Japanese beetles and bean beetles will chew the leaves of hyacinth bean.
