The Difference Between Perennial And Annual Plants

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If you have a garden or want to start one, you're probably familiar with the terms "annual" and "perennial." Both are used to describe a plant's growth cycle, but knowing the difference between annuals and perennials (and their lesser-known, biennial counterparts) will help you figure out which one best suits your gardening style and help you plan your garden. seasonal garden. . in season. It will also determine the type of care your plant needs at critical times during the growing season.

Related: 7 Perennials and Annuals to Spice Up Your Flower Garden

Eternal praise

It's the gift that keeps on giving for many years. "Multiples are plants that live more than two years and grow each spring," says Jeff Lorenz, founder of Refugia. Although the flowers and leaves of perennials die back in winter, new shoots form the following spring with minimal effort on your part. "When arranged correctly, perennials can be divided and trailed around the garden, creating a gorgeous, lush landscape that will return year after year," says Lorenz.

Perennials are usually planted in fall or early spring. Common perennials include grasses, peonies, forsythias, daylilies, tulips, black-eyed roses, chrysanthemums, and hydrangeas.

Advantages of perennial plants

The biggest appeal of perennials is that they only need to be bought once, whereas annuals are bought every year. "Perennials growing in your area have the added benefit of serving specific ecological functions as host plants for a number of insect species," Lorenz said. In addition, perennial seed heads that remain over winter provide food for wildlife and allow plants to reproduce throughout the garden.

Although perennials bloom for a shorter period of time than annuals, they allow you to combine a more diverse mix of plants for a long and varied flowering period. "They also have deep roots and are very efficient at managing stormwater, which most associations can't do," says Lorenz.

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FYI. 12 Simple Annuals That Beginner Gardeners Should Grow

Annual definition

Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season and never come back. "They're a great way to add instant color and texture to your garden because they grow quickly," says Longwood Gardens horticulturist Kieran Avis. There are several types of annuals that you may find at your local nursery.

Winter annuals

As the name suggests, winter annuals do well in cooler temperatures and can be used to add interest to your garden in spring or fall. "Poppies, gorse, sweet peas, violets and snapdragons are great examples of winter annuals that will brighten up your spring garden," says Evis. "An added bonus with a little planning is that winter annuals can often complement your spring bulb display."

Summer season

Summer annuals, also called tender annuals, enjoy the summer heat. "Annual sunflowers, gompren, salvia, celosia and zinnias are great additions to make your summer garden stand out," says Avis. Many tender annuals grow in the tropics, so they thrive in warm climates.

Self-seeding annuals

Self-sowing annuals grow from seed the next year, not from perennial roots. "As soon as the plants are planted, they will set seeds in your garden, and those seeds will germinate on their own the following year," says Avis. "Verbena bonariensis and some nicotiana are good examples."

Annual profit

More striking and colorful than perennials, annuals are a great way to add interest to your garden. "Annuals are also very versatile and can be used in containers, border mixes, cut gardens or even hanging baskets," says Avis.

Related: Our guide to USDA gardening zones — plus the best plants to grow in your area

Two-year term

In addition to perennials and annuals, you should also consider biennials, although you may have to wait a little longer to enjoy them. "A biennial is a plant that needs two growing seasons to flower," says Eavis. "The first year they'll let the grass grow, then the second year they'll let the grass and flowers grow." They die after the second year of life, putting them in the middle of annuals and perennials. However, like some annuals, some biennials will continue their life cycle in your garden by dispersing their seeds.

Common biennials include forget-me-nots, foxglove and Sweet William; Some vegetables are also biennials, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

Advantages of the Biennale

While you wait for them to bloom, the biennale offers the perfect combination of benefits. They grow as perennials and are usually as beautiful as annuals. "Biennials are another great way to enhance the beauty of your garden," says Evis. "It's important to overlap your plantings every year to have flowers every year, because biennials bloom in their second growing season."