As you plan and prepare your landscaping, you’ll likely choose plants and flowers based on their colors, fragrances, and ability to beautify your outdoor areas. It’s also important to consider what times of the year your foliage will grow the best. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide to the difference between annual and perennial flowers. 

What Is the Difference Between Annual & Perennial Flowers?

Annuals

The defining characteristic of annual flowers is that they only have one growing season. In other words, these flowers take approximately one calendar year to complete their life cycle. There are typically two types of annuals—cool and warm season, which refers to when they produce blossoms. 

For example, pansies tend to flower during the cooler fall and spring months, while zinnias and sunflowers don’t start to open until the summer, when the weather remains warm overnight. With regular watering and fertilizing, annuals will continue to look beautiful in your landscaping throughout the year. 

Perennials

Perennial flowers usually complete a single growing season in two years or more. Many people select perennials for their landscaping because they require even less maintenance than annuals. Once you plant them, they tend to spread and fill out your flower beds.

Perennials don’t typically need to be replanted after the first growing season because they often self-sow. They also grow well in a variety of different climates. Heather and primroses, for instance, typically thrive in cooler areas that receive plenty of moisture. Datura and four o’clocks, on the other hand, usually favor regions that are hot and dry.

When you’re ready to start landscaping with annuals or perennials, get in touch with the team at Above All Tree Care. For nearly 20 years, they have provided tree maintenance, trimming, removal, excavation, and lawn renovation to clients throughout Center City, MN. Call (651) 257-2136 to get started on a design for your landscaping and visit them online to learn more about their creative and hardworking team.