Comparing Annual Plants to Perennial Plants

Comparing Annual Plants to Perennial Plants
By Cheryl D. Jones

Before you start your plans for creating a dream garden, it's good to understand the key differences between perennial plants and annual plants to make the most out of them. To put it simply annual plants are those that live for just one season. These kinds of plants will sprout, flower, seed and eventually die within the same year. Annual flowers are generally very bright and eye catching but you need to replant them every year. Some annual plants are self-seeding which implies that you may not need to plant them manually.

Impatiens, petunias, marigolds and zinnias are some of the most popular annual flowers that can add a splash of colour to one's garden. If you are looking for something on the exotic side then try annual vinca, gazania or spider flowers are there to delight you.

Moreover there are some annuals that are famous for their foliage rather than their flowers. Before deciding on which type of plant you want for your garden make sure you consider the plant hardiness zones since there are many varieties which might not thrive well in your geographical location.

Some annual plants can also be excellent for companion planting. They would make your garden look lively and colourful in places which are barren and empty. For example there might be a spot in your garden which looks awful when the spring flowers start to fade. It is true that you could insert a perennial in that spot to flower in the summer but meanwhile till the advent of summer you can plant a few annuals to spruce up the barren spot. Though despised by many gardeners, annual plants occupy an important place in landscaping.

Perennial plants on the other hand live for 3 or more seasons but have a much shorter blooming season when compared with annuals. Spring and early summer blooming perennial bulbs need to be planted during autumn so as to produce blossoms in springtime.

Most gardeners pair the perennials with companion plants such as other perennials and annuals so that the garden remains colourful through most all of the growing season; however some perennials may not flower as profusely during its 1'st year. They are the best option for decorating your outdoor space with flowers that bloom year after year.

They generally live for more than 3+ years and most of them can live for even decades thus making it the most popular gardener's choice. For instance coral bells are a lovely flower which can be used for bordering your garden.

Creeping phlox plants are another ground hugging evergreen ground cover plant that is ideal for rock gardens. Daylilies, peonies, and of course ground cover roses are some of the most popular perennial plants. Make sure to find out which perennials thrive best in your region. Planting a wide variety of perennials that will bloom at different times of the season is the basis of creating a gorgeous and colourful garden.

Cheryl D. Jones, shares gardening tips and landscape ideas through her blog, newsletters and her nursery's website. Visit http://www.GreenwoodNursery.com/ for a full line of plants including trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses and ground covers. Join the Greenwood Gardeners Club free to receive Greenwood Nursery's weekly newsletter, seasonal promotions and 10% off your first order.

Greenwood Nursery offers a wide selection of perennial and companion plants.

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