That question is one I often hear from clients when helping them choose plants for their landscape and pots. Understanding which plants will last for one season only, and which will come back year after year, will help save you money, time, and disappointment.
The term “annual” can be confusing. We think of things that occur on an annual basis as meaning something that happens every year, like filing our income taxes. However, in the botanical world, an annual plant is one that completes its life cycle in one season, usually spring through fall. Cold weather and frost in the fall ends up killing the plant.
“Perennial” plants have a longer lifespan. They WILL come back every year, and get bigger and better each year. Perennials cost more because of their longer lifespan and because nurseries have to invest more time and energy in order to grow them.
How do you know which plant is which? Read the tag that comes with the plant.
Here are some of my favorite Spring bloomers:
Annuals
Stock
Diascia
Snapdragon
Dianthus
Erysimum
Nemesia
Pansy
Alyssum
Perennials
Virginia Bluebells
Pulmonaria
Trillium Ovatum
Bleeding Heart
Iris
Lady's Mantle
Brunnera
Candytuft
