If you’ve ever taken a moment to observe all the activity that goes on in a garden, you may have noticed that some flowers pop up, year after year, while others need to be meticulously planted and replanted each year.
These two types of plants are classified as annuals and perennials. They are most easily distinguished by their life cycles, blooms, and best times and seasons in which to plant.
Annuals, of which garden favorites include; marigolds, petunias, and watermelon, flower and die in one season. They are generally planted in spring or early summer, and although they do need to be replanted each year, their blooms will last until frost. They are notable in gardens everywhere are they are more showy, colorful, and longer lasting than perennials.
Perennials, of which garden favorites include; peonies, hydrangeas, and strawberries, will return for many seasons, without having to be replanted. Though perennials die in the winter months, they will grow back from the same root system for seasons to come. Perennial blooms are generally less showy and will have a 2-6 week bloom. The best time to plant perennials is in spring and fall, but they can be planted around 6 weeks before the ground freezes.
Note! There are also plants called biennials. Biennials take two years to complete their life cycle, and die. Popular types include; foxglove, Black-eyed Susan, and Hollyhock.