Annuals vs. Perennials
It’s easy to confuse annuals and perennials, especially when you are new to gardening. There is even something called a biennial. From home gardeners to nursery owners, it seems like everyone is throwing these words around. But what do they mean? Why does it matter for your garden? Are they really all that different?
So what is the difference?
Annual plants grow, flower, seed, and die off in a single year
Biennial plants form vegetative growth in the first year, and flower, seed, and die off in the second year
Perennial plants grow, flower, and seed year after year
What do you need in your garden?
So that leaves us with the question: which do you need for your outdoor space? The answer is simple; it’s up to you!
Every garden is unique and so are the gardeners who make them. Most gardens have a combination of annuals and perennials. Some have one or the other. And some gardens have all three: biennials, annuals, and perennials.
At the end of the day, your garden can be composed of whichever plants you prefer. As long as you are selecting plants that you like and fit with your garden design, there are no wrong choices.
How do I choose annuals for my garden?
Before you decide on buying annuals (or biennials) it is wise to get a feel for your garden. Ask yourself the following:
- What kind of soil do I have?
- Is my garden on a hill or at the bottom of one?
- How much effort can I put into my garden?
- What do I want to achieve with my outdoor space?
- What is my budget?
From here, you can decide whether or not you want to start your flowers from seed or if you want to buy them already grown. From there, you can decide what plants you want for your garden.
Making decisions on plants can be challenging. Selecting plants that are beautiful and serve a purpose (and your wallet) is a priority. You may wonder, ‘ annuals vs perennials: which is more cost-effective?’
Are Perennials worth it?
Imagine getting a plant that you only have to buy one time and that plant would last for years, or even decades. With perennials, you don’t have to imagine. These plants are long-lived. And, often they need little maintenance if any.
Perennials may cost more upfront than annuals. However, in terms of overall savings, perennials are well worth the investment. Annuals have to be grown from seed or re-purchased each year. Perennials, however, are a one-time purchase.
Most nurseries sell annuals because they are profitable and ensure repeat customers. Many businesses see little value in providing a plant that will survive and thrive for years. That’s what makes us different. We want you to have plants that you can enjoy for years to come.
Our Top 10 Perennials
We offer a wide range of perennials that can be shipped directly to you. We have plants that suit a wide variety of styles, preferences, and interests.
Most of our plants (94% in fact) are native to North America. Native plants are beneficial because they are (or were once) naturalized to your area. They support beneficial insects meaning fewer pest control issues. Since they are suited to your region, native plants are less susceptible to diseases.
Without further ado, here are our top 10 perennials:
10. Indian Pink
Check out the Indian Pink product page here
9. Citronella Geranium
8. Red Hot Poker
7. Hepatica
Check out the Hepatica product page here
6. Virginia Spring Beauty
The Virginia Spring Beauty lives up to its name. This perennial is native to woodlands in the eastern United States and is best suited for zones 4 through 9. Its exotic pink-streaked white petals emerge from below leaves and through the foliage to peak out during early spring. They are small treasures suitable for any garden with a little shade.
5. Great White Trillium
Check out the Great White Trillium product page here
4. Blood Root
Check out the Blood Root product page here
3. Milkweed Plant
Check out the Milkweed Plant product page here
2. Virginia Bluebells
Check out the Virginia Bluebells product page here
1. Butterfly Weed
Check out the Butterfly Weed product page here
The best garden is the one that brings you joy. There are endless plants to choose from, but hopefully, this list gave you some fun ideas. Whether you want a garden full of annuals or just perennials, it is your choice!