Many new gardeners (and some experienced ones) tell me that they always get confused between perennials and annuals. That is entirely understandable. Perennials are plants that will naturally return year after year. Annuals are plants that need to be planted every year. I remember it as, “Annuals need to be planted annually.”
Learn More: Perennials Versus Annuals
Now to get a little more complicated. Annuals are usually plants that prefer a more tropical climate and therefore are not annuals in all parts of the world. For example, in Maryland, Fragrant Geraniums (Pelargonium ssp) can only be grown as annuals or very tender perennials. However, in areas such as California and Florida they can be grown as a perennial.
Many people will plant annuals in their garden beds saying that they plant annuals because they provide more color throughout the summer or that annuals take less care than perennials. I find annuals very useful for containers as they will most likely be dead by the time, I need to protect my pots from cold temperatures. Other than that, I find perennials far more useful, colorful, and low maintenance. If perennials are chosen properly, the right combination can give a show from spring until frost. Many native perennials require little to no maintenance, and do not need to be pulled out of the ground as soon as the first frost hits.
Some perennials will bloom while the weather is still cold and the chance of frost still lingers, but due to the tender nature of annuals there are very few that will flourish in the early spring or late fall.
If you would like to switch from labor intensive annuals to low maintenance perennials give us a call at 410-667-8900. Our designer would be happy to create a planting scheme that will fit your garden.
Call our designer at 410-667-8900 or contact us today to see how we can bring more Spring into your property.
