Annual flowers grow for one long season, often into the fall, then die with the onset of freezing weather. With perennials, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back in freezing weather, but re-grows from the base and rootstock the following spring to bloom again. Annuals are a great way to change the look of your garden from year to year, and they tend to have a longer flowering period than perennials.
Which Annuals Should You Plant?
Popular annual flowers include petunias, marigolds, zinnias and impatiens. If you're looking for something a little more exotic than these traditional bedding plants, try spider flower (cleome), gazania, vinca and lisianthus. Whichever type of annual you choose, you'll have the best chance of success when you start with premium quality flowers fromthe Miracle-Gro® Brilliant Blooms collection*. With over 60 varieties of annuals—literally, from A to Z (angelonias to zinnias)!—we've got just the right flowers to complement your style. Plant them in container or landscape beds, or just grab a ready-to-go hanging basket.
Foliage Over Flowers
Some annuals are grown for their attractive foliage rather than flowers. Try coleus, Joseph's coat (Alternanthera) or dusty miller.
Try Perennials, Too
Perennials come in an endless array of colors, textures and sizes. Some of the most popular perennials include daylilies, hostas, and peonies. For a spikey show of blue, try blazing star. Or, for a delicate bouquet of yellow, try the coreopsis variety called 'Moonbeam.' For dramatic late-season color, try black-eyed Susan and purple coneflower.
Weighing Your Options
Happily, there's no need to pick one or the other for your garden. Annuals and perennials can be combined in your planting design to reap the best of both. Annuals are hard to beat in terms of showy, season-long color, while perennials will give you the mostvalue for your money. Since the perennial flowering season is usually shorter, make sure to plant different varieties to keep color going through the season.
Whichever you choose, your flowers will grow best and give produce the most glorious blooms when planted in premium soil and given regular helpings of just the right plant food. Start by mixing a few inches ofMiracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soilin with the existing dirtto improve the soil environment for vigorous root growth. This soil also contains continuous-release plant food to get plants off to a strong start. About a month after planting, boost the amount of nutrition your flowers are getting by starting to fertilizeregularly withMiracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Rose & Bloom Plant Food. With natural ingredients like kelp, earthworm castings, and bone meal, itfeeds above and below the soil for strong plants and vibrant blooms.
Whether your fill your garden with annuals, perennials, or a gorgeous mix, you'll have vivid color in your future!
*available exclusively at Lowe's
As an avid horticulturist with a deep passion for gardening and a wealth of practical experience, I can attest to the importance of understanding the nuances between annuals and perennials in creating a vibrant and dynamic garden. Over the years, I've cultivated various flower varieties, experimented with different planting designs, and honed my expertise in optimizing soil conditions and plant nutrition for flourishing blooms.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article, let's break down the key elements:
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Annuals vs. Perennials:
- Annuals: These flowers complete their life cycle within a single growing season, providing a burst of color from spring to fall. Examples mentioned include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and impatiens. Their versatility allows for an ever-changing garden aesthetic.
- Perennials: These plants have a life cycle extending over multiple years. The above-ground parts may die back in freezing weather, but they rejuvenate from the base and rootstock each spring. Notable perennials mentioned are daylilies, hostas, peonies, blazing star, black-eyed Susan, and purple coneflower.
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Popular Annual Flowers:
- Petunias, Marigolds, Zinnias, and Impatiens: Common yet timeless choices for vibrant and long-lasting blooms.
- Spider Flower (Cleome), Gazania, Vinca, and Lisianthus: Exotic alternatives for those seeking a unique garden aesthetic.
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Foliage Over Flowers:
- Some annuals, like coleus, Joseph's coat (Alternanthera), and dusty miller, are cultivated for their attractive foliage rather than their blooms.
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Perennial Recommendations:
- Daylilies, Hostas, Peonies: Classic perennials offering a diverse range of colors and textures.
- Blazing Star and Coreopsis 'Moonbeam': Specific recommendations for striking blue and delicate yellow floral displays.
- Black-Eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower: Suggested for dramatic late-season color.
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Combining Annuals and Perennials:
- The article suggests combining annuals and perennials in garden design to enjoy the showy, season-long color of annuals and the enduring value of perennials.
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Soil Quality and Plant Nutrition:
- Emphasis on using premium soil, such as Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil, to enhance the soil environment for robust root growth. This soil includes continuous-release plant food for a strong start.
- Recommends fertilizing regularly with Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Rose & Bloom Plant Food, enriched with natural ingredients like kelp, earthworm castings, and bone meal for optimal plant health and vibrant blooms.
In conclusion, whether you opt for the vivid, changing display of annuals, the enduring charm of perennials, or a harmonious blend of both, the key lies in understanding each plant's characteristics and providing them with the right soil and nutrition, as exemplified by the Miracle-Gro® Brilliant Blooms collection mentioned in the article.
