What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

Before you start dreaming up your garden plan, it helps to know what you can expect from the flowers you've already got. The first step is having a clear understanding of the difference between annual, perennial and biennial plants — and how they'll behave next spring. read more

Perennials come up year after year after year, or perennially. Examples of annuals include petunias, pansies and impatiens. At garden stores, you can buy large trays of annuals, which are called flats. read more

One difference between annuals and perennials is that annuals can grow in most climates, while perennials only grow certain U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones, depending on the plant. Other differences between the two types of plants include longevity and care. read more

Planting a variety of perennials that bloom at different times can create the backbone of your garden and will save you work down the road, while annuals can be a great way to experiment, maintain constant color and refresh your garden year after year. read more