What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
Happy spring! By now, you’ve probably been googling and Pin-ing all kinds of gardening information and planting ideas. You’ve seen lush, colorful beds with all kinds of flowers and you’re itching to get to the nursery to choose plants for your own garden. Before you rush off, though, there’s one important thing you need to know: What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
Annuals: All the Flash with Much Less Commitment
Think of annuals like that summer fling you had when you were a teenager: they will be bright and shiny all season long but they won’t be back next year. Annuals, as their name would suggest, need to be re-planted annually, or every year. If you are someone who likes to change and redesign their garden every spring and summer, annual plants are the way to go. They also tend to cost less than their perennial counterparts. A fun side effect of some annuals is that they can be “self-seeding”. This means that they might come back for another season, though not necessarily in the same spot they were before.
Guess Who’s Back? Perennials!
Your perennial plants, on the other hand, are in for a more long-term relationship. These plants go dormant during colder times but once temperatures start to warm up again, they will bloom and show off again. The average life expectancy for most perennials is three to four growing seasons, although there are many that will out-live even that! Because of their longer lifespan, they do tend to require trimming to avoid overgrowth and remain healthy.
Okay, But What Should I Plant?
When planning your gardens, you should look at the blooming seasons for the plants you’re considering. You probably want as much color in your gardens for as long as possible. If that is the case, choose plants with blooming times that are overlapping but not identical. This way, you’ll get to see your hard work and planning pay off for as long as possible!
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