New homeowners are often confused and overwhelmed by choices the first time they decide to work on their garden. There are so many types of plants and flowers to choose from, and they don’t know where to begin. In general, plants can be classified into three major categories: annual, biennial, and perennial. Let’s see the differences between those three types as explained by an expert landscaping company below.
Annual Plants
As suggested by the name, annual plants have only one life cycle. They turn from seeds to flowers in one growing season. At the end of the season, they die, including the roots, stems, and leaves. Typically, annual plants bloom quickly and for a long time, starting from spring through fall. Replanting is done every spring, where the cycle will begin all over again. Annual plants are a favorite of many gardeners. There are a lot of flower varieties of annual plants, such as petunia, sunflower, and begonia.
Biennial Plants
Instead of one growing season, biennial plants can live up to two growing seasons. In the first year, they will grow their vegetative structure like roots, stems, and leaves. When the colder months come, they will enter dormancy and at the next spring or summer, the stems will elongate or “bolt”. Most biennial plants are vegetable plants, such as beets, carrots, and lettuce.
Perennial Plants
Plants that can live for more than two years are called perennial plants. Just like biennials, perennials typically don’t produce flowers in their first year. However, once they bloom, they can flower for more than one year for one to three weeks each year. When they are not in bloom, perennial plants remain on the ground and they don’t wither. Their roots reach farther than any other plants, so once set, perennials only need minimal maintenance such as watering and fertilizing. Examples of perennial plants include aster, hibiscus, and honeysuckle.
If you want to have a colorful garden that lasts nearly all year long, annual plants are the way to go. Perennials tend to cost more because they do have longer lifespans, but they require less energy to care for and maintain. If you are looking to build a vegetable garden, go for biennial plants.
Determine what kind of look you are looking for from your garden first before making a decision on the types flowers to plant. For more information, contact an experienced landscaping company like Lawn Frogs Landscapes.
Sources
Annual Plants, TheSpruce.com
What are Perennials?, Garden.org
