Scarlet runner bean flowers

Finally have flowers on the scarlet runner beans. I did not take a photo of the leaves but I think the birds have discovered the leaves are tasty. At least, I think it is the birds who are destroying the leaves. Here are photos of the early stages.

Scarlet runner beans, one week later

No flowers yet but they are rapidly climbing up the poles. Late start this year. Here is what they looked like about a week ago.

Emerging scarlet runner beans

Late with planting these this year but they have emerged happily and quickly.

First blooms: scarlet runner bean

A nice surprise to see these poking out. I did plant these a bit late so normally these would be further along at this time of the year. I'm not super fond of the beans for food, meaning I may need to look up some recipes, but the blooms are spectacular. Because I have read the hummers love the flowers, they are a definite go for me regardless of the food aspect. I do know for sure bumblebees come around for the flowers as well. I am happy to provide support the locals with the scarlet runner beans. Interesting to me that I read the scarlet runner beans are perennials because I find they die out during our fairly mild winters.