What Really Distinguishes Annual vs Perennial Plants?

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Every garden needs a curated mix of spring flowers, ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, and trees—or not so curated, if you're into chaos gardening. Trees are easy to classify as evergreen or deciduous—some lose their leaves, some don't—based on their looks alone, but flowers aren't so simple. You might still be wondering why some of your favorite flowers come back every year and others don't. The difference is whether they're annuals or perennials. For example, daylilies are perennials, and petunias are annuals. It's not necessarily better to plant one or the other, but understanding the difference between the two types of plants can help you plan and maintain your outdoor space. Plus, annuals and perennials are great for different purposes. Ahead, find the differences between annuals vs perennials explained and learn what to do for each type of flower at the end of the growing season.

Annual vs. Perennial Basics

Long story short, the primary difference between an annual plant and a perennial plant is that perennials come back year after year while annuals don't. Most garden flowers and trees are perennials, meaning that they continue to bloom around the same time each year, often for as many as 10 years given the proper pruning (cutting away dead bulbs) and off-season care. Perennials have a continuous growing cycle for as long as they're alive, which is typically three years or more. Annual plants complete their growing cycle in a year and die in the winter.

What Are Annuals?

As the name suggests, an annual is a plant that completes its entire life cycle within a year. That means the plant germinates, sprouts, grows, blooms, wilts, and dies within a singular growing season (usually from spring to the following winter). Most annuals are tropical or warm-weather plants that can't withstand the harshness of winter frost. Many vegetables and crops behave as annuals. Flowers like zinnias, begonias, and sunflowers are also annuals.

Once the growing season is done, annual plants must be cut back and removed if you want to have the same plant in the same spot next year, since the original seed will not bloom again. That does increase labor and maintenance at the end of the growing season, but annuals actually need less maintenance throughout the year than perennials do—less frequent waterings, no pruning, and less attention. Basically, you can set it and forget it until winter comes. Annuals are beloved for their longer bloom time and lower commitment. Annuals are perfect for temporary gardens, hanging baskets, and urns or planters on your porch or patio. They're also ideal for bringing instant, seasonal color to borders and beds in your garden.

Supertunia Bordeaux (Petunia)

Cuphea Mexican Heather Plant

Marigold Plant Orange Flower

10 in. Begonia Plant in Hanging Basket

What Are Perennials?

Blooming and sprouting year after year, perennials are known for their longer life span and continuous growing cycles. Like any plant, perennials have a peak season and an offseason, meaning they'll bloom around the same time each year as the cycles restart—think dahlias, hostas, and ornamental grasses.

Because they die (or go dormant) and come back, perennials require a bit of maintenance to ensure beautiful growth year after year. Pruning each winter is a must. Perennials require a bit more care during the growing season as well, including periodic watering (especially in hotter, drier climates) and fertilizer or compost. Perennials last from three and 15 years, so it's best to choose flowers and plants you can see yourself loving for years to come. Of course, you can always rip them up and out—but that would defeat the purpose of choosing a perennial!

Denim N Lace Perovskia

Peony Red

Variegated 1 Qt. Hosta

Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus)

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