Pole bean
Pole beans are climbing beans whose long stems wind around a support. Their name describes the plant’s habit rather than a pod colour or one particular use. Many varieties belong to the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. The term pole bean alone does not identify another specific species. Their main garden attraction is a vertical outline carrying leaves, flowers and fruit above ground, with substantial variation in the appearance and kitchen qualities of different selections.The flexible stems lengthen through the season and may exceed two metres, depending on variety. They climb by twining rather than using the visible tendrils found on peas. Adult common-bean leaves have three fairly broad leaflets. They form a mass of greenery that can provide some shade. This structure differs from the small bush of dwarf beans and gives the plant a larger presence in vertical space while its stems remain herbaceous.The small flowers of common-bean varieties…
