You don’t have to be a landscape expert to know the difference between perennials vs annuals. Most people know the basics: annuals live and die in one season, and perennials come back. At Piedmont Landscape Management, our experts can recommend the perfect mix of annuals and perennials to keep color in your yard all year round. Keep reading to find out more about these plants.
All about Annuals
Most annuals germinate, flower, set seed, and die all in one season. Because their goal is simply to reproduce, most annuals will flower like crazy until this mission is accomplished. If you prevent seed formation – mostly by deadheading - many annuals will continue to bloom profusely until the first frost. There are a few exceptions, but you'll have to replant most annuals the next spring to get a repeat performance.
Annuals are usually subdivided into three groups:
Annual plants can be grouped based on their tolerance to temperature and growing conditions. Here are three main groups of annuals:’
1. Cool-Season Annuals
Hardy (cool season) annuals thrive in the cool to moderate temperatures of early spring and fall and can tolerate light frost. Includes forget-me-not and larkspur. Some examples include pansies, snapdragons, kale, mustards and ornamental cabbage.
2. Warm-Season Annuals
Tender (warm season) annuals are native to tropical or subtropical climates and require heat to grow and thrive. Wait until late spring to add these plants. Some examples of this type include marigolds, zinnias, vinca, coleus and angelonia. These plants are best for summer gardens and areas with consistent warmth.
3. Tender Annuals
Half-hardy annuals are most common. They tolerate a range of temperatures, including cooler weather near the beginning or end of the gardening season. Some examples include impatiens, coleus, begonias, and vinca.
Growing annuals let you experiment with new plants and color schemes without making a long-term commitment. They are perfect for temporarily filling in bare spots in established gardens or for refreshing containers throughout the season.
Annuals mature faster than perennials and often bloom from planting time until frost, and in some cases beyond.
If you want a lot of blooms, annuals are the answer. They put all of their energy into developing flowers.
Now for the Perennials
Perennials are mostly cold-hardy plants that will return in the spring. They bloom for only one season each year. When grown in favorable conditions, perennials often live a long time. As far as care and maintenance, perennials vary greatly. Some might need to be pruned and divided regularly, but others almost thrive on neglect.
Perennials tend to cost more, but they return year after year. Even perennials that don’t have a long life span can often be propagated to get more.
Most perennials require less water once they are established, which is good for people who garden in drought-prone areas and want to reduce their water consumption. Planting perennials that are native to your region creates a welcome habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.
Why Choose Perennials for Your Garden?
Perennials offer several advantages, making them a valuable addition to any garden:
- Longevity:
Once established, perennials return each season, reducing the need to replant. - Cost-Effectiveness:
While they may have a higher upfront cost, their long lifespan makes them a budget-friendly choice over time. - Variety:
Available in countless colors, shapes, and sizes, perennials can suit any garden style—from cottage gardens to modern landscapes. - Seasonal Interest:
Many perennials bloom at different times, providing color and texture throughout the growing season. - Environmental Benefits:
Deep root systems in perennials prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, and support pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Popular Perennials for Different Garden Needs
- For Full Sun:
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Shasta Daisies
- Coreopsis
- For Shade:
- Hostas
- Astilbe
- Bleeding Hearts
- Ferns
- Drought-Tolerant Options:
- Sedum (Stonecrop)
- Russian Sage
- Yarrow
- Lavender
- Groundcovers:
- Creeping Thyme
- Lamb’s Ear
- Periwinkle (Vinca)
- Sweet Woodruff
If you’re not sure whether annuals or perennials are better choices for your landscape, just ask the experts at Piedmont Landscape Management.