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The Difference Between Annual, Biennial and Perennial Plants

Know the difference between flower types to achieve your gardening goals.

Annual flowers complete their lifecycle from seed to death in one growing season. Some plants grown as annuals in cold climates are actually perennials in milder locations. 

Tender annuals like impatiens and coleus are sensitive to frost. Half-hardy annuals like ageratum and lobelia can tolerate cool air and soil, but can be damaged by frost. Hardy annuals like alyssum and pansies tolerate cold soil, cold air and frost. Adjust planting times based on this.

Biennials like hollyhocks and foxglove just form leaves the first year. The second year the plant forms more leaves, flowers, sets seeds and dies. Many reseed, making them appear as perennials.

True perennials hardy to your location live for multiple years in the garden.

A bit more information: Some growers and gardeners start biennials indoors early. The early start encourages biennial plants to bloom and die the first year in the garden.

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
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April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
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April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

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April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
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April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

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