I think the idea of planting a fast growing plant from seeds is the way to go and let the existing plant be the support for the climber. With that thought in mind, here is another one: perennial sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius.) It is a strong grower to nine feet tall. You need to continue picking flowers to keep it blooming.

Additionally, I have thought of some other tall plants that can be grown in containers: Yew pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), blue potato plant (Solanum rantonnetii ‘Royal Robe’) and hop bush (Dodonnea viscosa). Be sure to place containers where sun will hit the plants all year.

Bamboo doesn’t really bring birds, but it would be more likely to choke out the scarlet runner beans than vice versa and is not tall enough to do the job you need done.

Another note: If the Cape honeysuckle is totally dead the roots will gradually rot. At first this will subtract nitrogen from the soil, but when they have totally disintegrated they will return the nitrogen and the soil will be good. This will take a few years. Thus, while you are growing the runner beans keep an eye on them. If they should turn yellow this means that they lack nitrogen. In that case fertilize with fish emulsion to keep them growing. Usually beans don’t need any kind of fertilizer, or mighty little since they make their own fertilizer, so only fertilize if you notice the problem with yellow leaves.

Thank you sooooo much for your detailed and speedy response. I was hoping for a different answer, but my gut knew different.

I know not all plants do well in containers. In the past I have taken smaller plants out of the pot, cut the root ball down and put it back in the same pot with fresh soil, which worked for a while.

The scarlet runner beans look beautiful and grow fast, just what I need. But if I
understand correctly it is an annual and is done in autumn. I need shade from
august till april/may (position of the sun), everything inside my place is being bleached from the sun, fabrics, pictures etc. Eventually it needs to be 15 -18 feet tall to be effective.

I need inexpensive, fast growing, and also wanted something for my little animal friends to munch or suck on. Am I asking for too much ? I believe the trumpet vine is a slow grower, and never seen a bamboo flower, and if they do are creatures attracted to it. Could I do bamboo and put a few scarlet runner beans in the same pot, or would that choke the bamboo? Can scarlet runner beans grow year round in this climate, meaning when the summer crop dies another could come up, even if it would not be as luscious?

I saw your picture in the paper and knew right away you are one of the “Earth Mothers” on this planet. Thank you for this, we are in need of more who think and do like you. I also know you have a busy life and a gardeners work is never fully done. I don’t mean to be impertinent and take up too much of your time.

With much appreciation and gratitude, sending love from my house to yours.