Interest in the post as I am so trying to convert you all the runner beans... my limited knowledge, I know to stop them growing I snap the top off as they grow from the top, I think! but I was in the UK and the growing season is different, but even when smallish, 2 foot say they will still flower, and they are pretty, I never appreciated that til, I found them in the flower section of the seed catalog over here! To me the flower was yes! you are pretty....but I want BEANS! I have flowers and I am sweet talking them, beans please, I have planted 70 plants! 20 have failed! but I could eat them from dawn to dusk, just don't let them get old! then YUK! although I think Scarlet runners maybe the furry type which are tasty, just not nice on texture, but I am not sure? I have also Polestar as well ..just incase! as they arn't, and they are pretty too.

I have some Strawflower, Tall Mixed. I'm not interested in scarlet runner beans right now. What else do you have for trade? Or you can have them for postage. I have plenty of bubble mailers, so you'd only need to send the postage. Email me if you're interested.

Thanks for all your helpful input. i will try giving them more water etc. since there are so many flowers that there may still be a chance for a few setting. The weather has not been conducive to cool weather plants. There have been so many days with extremes that we might as well have moved down south. I think I will give it one more try to find some "decent" scarlet runner seeds for next year, then it is Blue Lake or Kentucky Wonder, since I am more interested in the beans than show.

I guess my reply would depend upon the definition of "partial shade". Would the plants get a few hours of full sun, or would there be dappled shade (as from a tree overhead) at all times? One of my gardens gets 6-8 hours of full sun (depending upon daylength) and is shaded by tall trees in morning & late afternoon. The runner beans there blossomed heavily. I suspect they would do as well in light shade. Since they enjoy cool conditions, they may even bloom in heavier shade; but the beauty would be lost. If your roof has an overhang, consider training the vines to strings running down from the edge, tied to stakes below. Many runner beans will take as much string as you give them. And don't forget that you have more than one color option... you might try "Painted Lady" or "Sunset Runner" (and/or a white-flowered variety) in addition to the more common all-scarlet.