Unsure about whether to plant annual vs. perennial plants?
Learn the differences between the two, with ideas of what to grow in the garden.
Though, it undeniably brings up the age-old debate: annual vs. perennial plants.
Whats the difference and how to do you plant and care for both?
Many people arent aware of the definitions, let alone the differences, between annuals and perennials.
Both annuals and perennials deserve a spot in your garden, saysPlantInresident botanist Lotte Berendsen.
botanist atPlantIn
Especially with so many beautiful plants to grow, you dont want to miss out on either variety.
Speaking of varieties, below youll find 23 beginner-friendly annual and perennial flowers to incorporate into your garden.
Annual flowers
Annual flowers are known for their bright colors and quick blooms.
Annuals are often beautiful, showy flowers that grow from bulbs or seeds, Berendsen says.
The upside of growing annuals is that they give you the opportunity to explore different color palettes and varieties.
Looking to add some to your garden?
Consider the easy-to-grow varietiesrecommended directly by our gardening expertsbelow.
They must be kept moist during their growing season from summer to fall and enjoy frequent fertilization.
Celosias
These unique, feathery blooms will bring color and texture into any garden, Berendsen says.
botanist atPlantIn
They come in many colors, making finding a bloom that matches your garden plan easy.
Like most flowers, celosias enjoy full sun and frequent watering.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a plant that produces bountiful blooms perfect for cutting, Sears says.
The frilly leaves create a casual, cottage-garden look.
They can grow anywhere from full sun to partial shade and require moist soil as most plants do.
Petunias
Petunias provide vividly-colored blooms throughout the gardening season, Sears says.
Theyre available in an array of colors and trailing habits.
They love full sun but are otherwise undemanding.
For best results, she says to water thoroughly once a week.
Once a week during the growing season will do the trick.
Pro tip: To get the most out of your poppies, deadhead them after blooming, Berendsen says.
This way, they will produce new blooms, and you’re free to enjoy them for longer.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
In addition to blooming for years to come,perennial herbsand flowers are also veryeasy to care for.
Once theyre planted, they will continue to grow with limited maintenance for multiple seasons, Sears says.
There are two downsides of perennials.
While three months of color is great, its a bummer when blooms are super short-lived.
Ready to fill your garden with never-ending blooms?
Berendsen and Sears share their top picks, below.
Just keep in mind that it blooms best in perpetually wet soil.
So verify to keep it watered throughout the dry, hot summer months, she says.
Butterfly weed
Attract beautiful butterflies to your garden with these perennials, Sears says.
Coneflower
According to Sears, coneflowers are the hardiest perennial flower.
Like any other flower, the daylily enjoys direct sunlight.
Aim for six or more hours daily and keep the soil slightly moist throughout spring and summer.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are biennials that self-sow prolifically, behaving like perennials in the garden, Sears says.
They grow from 5 to 9 feet tall, making them ideal for a flower bed backdrop.
They produce beautiful spikes of flowers loved by pollinators; cut them back for a second bloom in-season.
Pro gardening tip: Dont confuse biennials with biannuals!
Where biennials take two years to complete their bloom cycle, biannuals bloom twice per year.
The pasque flower can produce up to 30 blossoms during its growing season.
It also enjoys a sunny spot, she adds.
Just remember: They like regular watering and to be grown in shady areas.
They make a tremendous semi-shade plant for around your garden seating area, Berendsen says.
Just verify to plant them in bright spots, as Seara says they require full sun to thrive.
Before doing so, there are a few things youll want to know.
Its easier and tends to offer instant gratification.
That said, growing flowers from seeds can be quite satisfying.
Generally speaking, a variety of both annuals and perennials will make for the most diverse, picture-perfect garden.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
