If you’re designing your landscape, you’ll find that you’ll have an expansive selection of plants to choose from. If you’re new to landscaping and gardening, the sheer amount of choice can seem daunting. One way you can narrow down your choices is to consider whether you want to plant annuals or perennials. Here, we’ll outline the differences between them:
What Are Annuals?
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one year or a typical growing season. In short, they won’t come back the following year. Annuals are often colorful and include many popular varieties that people tend to add to their hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers. Some beloved annuals include marigolds, pansies, geraniums, petunias, impatiens, and zinnias. You might also consider installing annuals in the front of your flower beds where they’re sure to be noticed.
What Are Perennials?
Perennials are plants that last beyond a single growing season. While some may only last three years, others may continue to return growing season after growing season. Perennials cost more than annuals typically because they are more permanent fixtures of a landscape. Some popular perennials include lavender, bee balm, daylilies, peonies, coneflowers, phlox, Russian sage, hostas, and coral bells.
Should I Plant Annuals or Perennials?
The truth is, many people plant both — each type offers unique benefits. Many gardeners choose to create a framework for their landscape using perennials. Then, they fill in gaps with attractive annuals during the warm season. Once established, perennials don’t need the same level of care — watering — as annuals. On the other hand, annuals allow gardeners to change their landscape each warm season and experiment with different plants. In either case, it’s essential to read about the individual care requirements of any plant you choose. Both annuals and perennials may or may not prefer full sun, for instance. Once you understand the plant’s care requirements, you’ll be able to determine if it’s the right plant for your landscape.
If you need assistance planning, installing, or caring for a landscape, you can rely on Liberty Tree & Landscape Management. We feature a team of experienced arborists and landscapers who can help you create a landscape that’s both beautiful and healthy. To learn more about our landscaping and plant healthcare services, reach out to our team today!