If you're looking to add pops of color to your landscape in Pennsylvania, adding annuals or perennials is the way to go. However, you might be wondering what the difference is between these two types of plants. Annuals are flowers that complete their entire life cycle in one growing season, and they have a longer bloom period. Perennials, on the other hand, are plants that can live for three or more growing seasons, regrow every spring, and usually have a shorter bloom period than annuals.

When it comes to choosing which type of plants to add to your landscape in the spring, neither is better. It just depends on your preference! Annuals are great for adding pops of color to your landscape in the spring, while perennials are more long-term additions.

What are annual flowers?

Colorful petunia flowers and their green foliage in West Chester, PA.

Annuals are flowers that complete their entire life cycle in one growing season. This means that they will bloom, produce seeds, and then die within a single growing season. Because of this, they have to be replanted annually to keep your landscape vibrant.

Annual flowers also have a longer bloom period than perennials, so you can enjoy their beauty for a longer period of time. Depending on the specific plant, annual flowers will stay in bloom during their growing season. For example, begonias are spring annuals that stay lush and colorful during this season. Meanwhile, petunias bloom in the summer, and chrysanthemums give their vibrant pops of color in the fall.

Annuals can sometimes regrow every year via the seeds from the previous year's annuals!

What are perennial plants?

Lush hydrangeas on a landscape in West Chester, PA.

Perennials are plants that can live for three or more growing seasons. Unlike annuals, perennials regrow every year once they are planted, meaning you don't have to replant them every year. While they have a longer lifespan, perennials have a shorter bloom period. Each type of perennial has a specific blooming period during each year. Once their bloom time has passed, the part of the plant that is located above ground will die back. However, its root system will stay alive underground to continue producing a new plant for the next year.

Because perennials grow longer, they need regular care and maintenance to maintain their health.

Are annuals or perennials better for the spring?

When it comes to choosing between annuals and perennials for your spring garden, neither is better. It just depends on your preference! If you're looking for a plant that will provide you with a vibrant pop of seasonal color, then annuals are the way to go. These plants will give your yard a gorgeous boost of color and interesting textures for the season. However, if you're looking for a more long-lasting plant that will come back year after year, then perennials are the better option. You won't have to worry about replanting them every year, but you have to make sure they receive proper care to keep them flourishing.

Call us today to schedule our plantings and softscapes service!

If you're looking to add some beauty to your landscape, look no further than our plantings and softscapes service. Our team can install new landscape beds on your property or renovate your existing ones, and then add your desired plantings to them. From the eye-catching burst of color from annual flowers to the reliable blooms of perennials, you can easily transform your property.

Our plantings and softscapes service is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in West Chester, Downingtown, Exton, PA, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (610) 285-9727 to schedule this service!