What Are Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials?

01/09/25

8 minutes Read

Written By Johnsons Team

What Are Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials?

Flowers can be categorised by their lifecycle under the labels annuals, perennials, and biennials. These labels can help gardeners understand exactly what they should expect from their flowers in terms of germination, lifespan, flowering time, and more. There are clear differences that can be attributed to each flower type, which we will both explore and explain in our guide to help you plan any future flower arrangements.

What Are Annual Plants?

True Annuals are plants that germinate, flower, set seed, and die all in one year. Popular amongst colour lovers, annuals are known to provide vivid colour in a short space of time. They are often used in cottage garden schemes and are great for adding pops of colour to flower borders. For example, the most common varieties of poppy or sweet pea seeds are annuals.

False annuals are plants which we gardeners treat as annuals - we grow them for the year and then put them on the compost once they go over, as they either won’t make it through the winter months in our climate or they are bred to be short-lived but vibrant. Their bold flowers are often used in bedding schemes, and if properly cared for with regular deadheading, they will continue to bloom for months on end.

For example, Gazanias are fantastic for summer containers and hanging baskets, whilst Polyanthus brighten up the Spring garden.

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What Are Biennials?

Biennial plants, on the other hand, complete their life cycle in two years. During the first year, biennial seeds germinate and grow before blooming and dying in their second year.

Whilst biennials are more uncommon than both annuals and perennials, you may be interested in growing popular biennials like wallflower plants, foxgloves and forget-me-nots for captivating spring colour.

What Are Perennial Plants?

Unlike annuals and biennials, perennial plants live for more than two years. Herbaceous perennials have non-woody stems that die down to the ground each year while the roots remain alive underground, coming back to life the following spring.

Perennial plants are an excellent investment for your luscious garden arrangements. They usually bloom larger and healthier with each passing year. Many are easy to propagate by division, taking cuttings, or collecting and sowing the seed. In order to achieve the best results from your plants, take note of the required growing conditions.

Species of geranium plants and delphinium plants are popular perennials, contributing endless vibrancy to displays year on year.

Shop Flower Plants at Johnsons

Whether the vision you have in mind for your displays involves annuals, perennials, or biennials, here at Johnsons, we have plenty of stunning varieties available to beautify your beds. With over 200 years of experience, we’re a heritage brand known for our premium flower seeds, plants and bulbs. So, you can rely on Johnsons for all of your gardening essentials.

If you’re yet to plan your elegant outdoor displays or are unsure what bouquets you would like to display around the home from your cut flower garden, take a look at our inspiration page.