Annual vs Perennial

Dear Reader,

Back in 2020 when I started to get into gardening, the first question I had was "what are annuals and perennials? As a new gardener, all of the information was so overwhelming. You mean I can't just plant whatever I want and let it be? For some varieties, yes, but most need a little more attention.

To answer the question - What are annuals and perennials - here's what I do to remember. You plant annuals, annually. Or, they don't come back each year. Annuals are not cold tolerant so depending on your growing zone, an annual for me might be a perennial for you.

Perennials are cold tolerant and they can survive the winter. Most perennials are listed as plants/flowers that can survive temperatures to -25*F. Most evergreen trees, lavender, boxwood, daisies, hydrangeas, and roses are perennials, meaning they will survive the cold freezing winter temps and come back in to life in the spring.

Understanding annuals and perennials will help you know exactly when you can plant certain flowers come spring. Here in Wisconsin zone 5b, I start to plant supertunias early May, while others in my same growing zone wait until Memorial day weekend. At my house, the front yard is full sun all year long so I treat it more like a zone 6 because my plants and shrubs seem to bloom earlier than other locations in my yard.

I hope this helps!

Agape,

Rachel