What are Annual Flowers?

Annual flowers are basically flowers that last for one year or one growing season, while perennial plants bloom year after year (except maybe the year they are planted).



Sometimes there is confusion between annuals and perennials. Some plants and flowers may be a perennial in their native area, but may be used as an annual in hotter or colder climates. Just because the temperature isn’t right doesn’t mean that we have to be deprived of beauty!

When considering the cost of buying flowers, it may seem that purchasing annuals is a worthless mission; however, there are many benefits of planting annuals.

Benefits of Annual Flowers

Most flower garden designs do use a few annuals and there is a reason for that.

  • Planting annual plants is the quick and easy way to add vibrant color to your flower garden
  • They are great for container gardens
  • They are often used as flower garden borders
  • You can plant them from seed during the spring
  • They are comparably easy to care for
  • You can expect flowers in the season that you plant them
  • By using annuals, you can alter the looks of your flower garden every year

The Life Cycle of the Annual

Annuals are designed to only last one season. The purpose of their life cycle is to basically yield seeds. Whether you plant them from seed or purchase annual plants, you can expect them to bloom during the spring and summer. At the end of their season, they will produce seeds.

If you are so inclined, you can gather the seeds and replant them the following year in order to save on costs. annual flowers

Popular Annuals

My favorite annual is Sweet Alyssum. They are available in pink, purple and yellow, but white is my first choice. The aroma of these flowers is unmatched. They are great for outlining flower beds or walkways and they also grow great in containers. They do vigorously reseed, which means that they will spread. At the end of the season, you can collect the seeds for replanting the next year.

What Are Your Favorite Annuals?

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