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| Annual Flowers vs. Perennials – Which Should You Plant? |
Everything You Need to Know About Planting Annual Flowers and Perennials
While there are many different types of flowers that can be added to your landscape, they almost all fall into one of two categories: annuals or perennials. Both types of plants have many beautiful varieties of blossoms, and both make fabulous additions to your yard, bringing a splash of color and beauty. So with all these good qualities, which kind should you plant – annuals or perennials?
Annuals
Annual flowers are plants that that live about one year, or one growing season. Throughout most of the United States, annuals are planted in the spring and will usually live until the first frosts come in fall or winter. These flowers are very popular due to their versatility, their ease in terms of growth, and of course, their radiant blooms. Grown in a wide range of conditions, from arid to wet, to boggy or dry, annuals are extremely versatile and adapt well to most climates. They are also very easy to plant and maintain. You can buy annuals either in seed form or already established nursery transplants. If you opt for seeds, you can start them in a container or you can plant them directly in your garden. Though nursery transplants are more expensive than seeds, they are easier to grow because they’re already established. With transplants, you simply dig holes where you want the flowers, pop them in, and water. Annuals require little maintenance in terms of trimming or pruning, although you will want to remove weeds and dead flowers and leaves. Most, however, need plenty of water. While some annuals can handle periods without water, most need regular watering to stay healthy. For ground-based plants, soaker hoses work exceptionally well; for pots or baskets, a watering can will usually do the trick. Annuals come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and there are many combinations to choose from when designing your landscape; oftentimes the most difficult part of planting these flowers is narrowing down the selection!
Perennials
Perennials are plants that return each year for another growing season. These flowers bloom each warm season after going dormant for the winter. Perennials make great additions to any landscape for this very reason – their beauty returns each year! While perennials may prove to be a bit tougher to establish than annuals, they have the advantage of returning each year if cared for properly, which means you don’t have to plant them yearly like you do annuals. Caring for perennials, however, does require you to deadhead (removing dead blossoms) and shear back the plant at times to encourage new growth. Most perennials do not require regular watering or fertilizing, but it is important to make sure your plant is receiving enough moisture and nutrients. During the winter months, you may also want to mulch around the plant to protect it from hard freezes. Like annuals, there are many different kinds of perennials available for inclusion in your landscape. With this in mind, consider the blooming season for your plants as you decide which ones you want to include. Some perennials have short-lasting blossoms, so counter these plants with others that will bloom at different times during the season. Perennials provide a beautiful addition to your yard, and with proper care most can be enjoyed for many years.
Making the Right Choice
Now that you know more about annuals and perennials, which one should you plant? Though this answer is entirely up to you, it is generally a good idea to incorporate flowers of both categories. Both have many advantages, and the two plant types work to balance one another. However, if you’re new to gardening, it may be wise to use more annuals than perennials your first time around. Perennials are usually more expensive and require more work, and unless you’re certain of what you want, you may want to hold off on planting flowers that are going to return each year. With annuals, if you plant something and then don’t really like it, it’s gone in a year and you can try something new the next warm season. As you become a more experienced gardener, incorporating both annuals and perennials in your yard will give your landscape a good mix of both types of plants. No matter which you decide to use, you’re sure to have lovely flowers, and you can enjoy the color, beauty, and fragrance of your blossoms.
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