I've grown hyacinth bean vine here in the richmond area for a few years. THey are very pretty and easy. Just plunk the seeds in and they grow. THey get about 7' and are not bad about crawling over every plant in their path like morning glories. I've used them on arbors w/ roses and also on our lamp post to good effect. I think the foilage is very nice too, a purple-green.

In the fall, I just keep a few of the pods for the following year and plant them where I want them, they are easy to remove if they are someplace you don't want.

Give them a try!

-Bonnie

I am wondering the same exact question and also live in zone 7, but in NC USA. How do these 2 vines compare with each other? I intend to try Scarlet Runner Beans for the first time this year, and am an old hand at growing Hyacinth Bean each year. What is the big difference? I suppose the Scarlet Runners are edible, for one thing. Come on, let's get some answers. Perhaps the Hyacinth Beans are much more vigorous. I am guessing. The HB vines go absolutely crazy and the flower stalks are SO large and impressive! I cannot imagine any edible bean getting 20 feet long and having such large flower clusters. Perhaps that is the difference? Anyone else? It may be like comparing apples and oranges?