The difference between an annual plant and a perennial

by Jorge Melo

Every spring, homeowners ask the same question.

“Why did these flowers die last year, but those came back?”

It is not bad luck. It is not random. And it usually is not because you did something wrong. Most of the time, it comes down to understanding the difference between an annual plant and a perennial, and how each one behaves in Massachusetts weather.

In simple terms, annual plants live for one growing season, while perennial plants come back year after year. Annuals are planted in spring, bloom through summer, and die when frost arrives. Perennials take longer to establish, but once they do, they return every season and form the backbone of a planting bed. In our 35 years of business, the healthiest and best-looking landscapes almost always use a mix of both.

Once you understand how these plants actually perform in local heat, soil, and watering conditions, plant decisions become much easier.

What is the difference between annual, perennial, and biennial plants?

Plants are grouped by their lifespan.

Annual plants complete their entire life cycle in one season. They grow, bloom, set seed, and die within the same year.

Perennial plants live for multiple years. Some die back to the ground in winter and return in spring, while others maintain structure above ground. They bloom for shorter windows but provide long-term stability.

Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two years. They focus on foliage growth in year one, bloom in year two, then set seed and die.

Climate matters. Heat waves, dry spells, compacted soil, and late frosts all affect how well these plants perform when planting timing or watering is off.

Knowing these differences matters when designing beds, not just choosing plants. When we plan beds as part of landscape gardening services near Rochester, MA, we select annuals for seasonal color and perennials for long-term structure so beds don’t struggle once summer heat sets in.

What is the difference between annual and perennial flowers?

Annual plants

Annuals are chosen for impact. They deliver fast color and long bloom periods.

They are also the most demanding plants in a landscape.

Annual plants grow from seed in spring, bloom through summer, set seed, and die by fall or early winter. Because they only have one season to live, they focus their energy on flowers rather than deep roots.

Tender annuals

Tender annuals cannot tolerate frost and must be planted after the risk of cold has passed. Planting them too early is one of the most common mistakes we see.

Marigolds, begonias, and zinnias fall into this group. These plants look great early on but struggle quickly during heat waves if they are underwatered.

Hardy annuals

Hardy annuals tolerate cooler temperatures and can be planted earlier or later in the season. Some can even handle light frost.

Plants like pansies and sweet alyssum are often used to extend seasonal color.

Half-hardy annuals

Half-hardy annuals sit in between. They handle mild cold but still prefer warmth.

Petunias and cosmos are common examples and are widely used in visible planting beds.

Popular annuals

Petunias, marigolds, zinnias, vinca, and begonias are popular choices because they bloom continuously when watered correctly. We often install these when homeowners want immediate curb appeal through planting services near Rochester, MA.

Perennial plants

Perennials are long-term plants. They do not rush.

Most perennials spend their first year or two establishing strong root systems instead of producing heavy blooms. That patience pays off.

Once established, perennials need less water, less fertilizer, and far less day-to-day attention than annuals.

Popular perennials

Daylilies, hostas, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ground cover perennials like creeping phlox perform well locally. Perennial blooming bushes such as hydrangeas and spirea add structure and seasonal interest without yearly replacement.

Perennial yellow flowering plants like coreopsis and black-eyed Susan are especially valued because they tolerate summer heat better than many annuals.

When is a perennial not perennial?

Some plants sold as annuals are actually tender perennials that cannot survive winter conditions without protection. Geraniums and lantana are common examples.

Biennial plants

Biennials take two seasons to complete their life cycle. The first year focuses on foliage. The second year brings flowers and seeds, then the plant dies.

Foxglove, sweet William, and hollyhocks are common biennials. These plants require planning but often self-seed and return naturally.

Plant care

Understanding plant type only matters if care matches real conditions.

Watering

Annuals need frequent watering because their roots stay shallow. Heat waves and underwatering are the most common reasons annual beds fail.

Perennials need daily watering when first planted. Once established, deep watering once or twice per week is usually enough.

We often see watering mistakes during prolonged heat when maintaining beds through our landscape gardening services near New Bedford, MA, where surface moisture hides dry soil underneath mulch.

Fertilizing

Annuals benefit from regular feeding to sustain bloom production. Most perennials need little to no fertilizer once established.

Overwintering

Annuals are removed at the end of the season. Perennials are cut back and protected with mulch when needed to ensure strong spring growth.

Pruning and deadheading

Deadheading annuals extends bloom time. Perennials require seasonal pruning depending on the plant. This is often handled alongside a hedge trimming service when homeowners want everything maintained at once.

Pest and disease management

Most pest problems begin with plant stress caused by poor drainage or inconsistent watering. Healthy plants resist pests more effectively.

Faq about planting services

Is lavender a perennial plant?

Lavender is a perennial, but it requires excellent drainage to survive winter conditions.

Are gladiolus perennials?

Gladiolus are perennials, but the bulbs usually need to be lifted and stored over winter in colder climates.

Are ferns perennial?

Most ferns are perennials and perform well in shaded areas with consistent moisture.

Can you plant perennials in pots?

Perennials can grow in pots, but containers dry out faster and offer less winter protection.

Does perennial ryegrass die in the summer?

Perennial ryegrass may go dormant during extreme heat, but it typically recovers with proper watering.

Where to buy perennial mums?

Perennial mums are best purchased from local nurseries that stock cold-hardy varieties.

When to plant tulips?

Tulips should be planted in the fall once soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes.

What plants don't like coffee grounds?

Plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil, such as lavender and some ornamental grasses, do not respond well to coffee grounds.

Are hydrangea plants poisonous to cats?

Hydrangeas can be toxic to cats if ingested and should be planted carefully.

How we approach planting beds

Soil compaction, drainage issues, and heat retention all influence plant performance. We design beds with perennials as the foundation and annuals as accents, so landscapes improve instead of resetting each year.

This approach works well for properties requesting planting services near New Bedford, MA.

FAQs about New England Tree & Landscape

Do you help with plant selection or just installation?

We handle both. Plant selection is one of the most important parts of the job. We choose plants based on sun exposure, soil conditions, drainage, and how much maintenance the homeowner actually wants. That is especially important in Massachusetts, where heat waves and inconsistent rainfall can quickly stress the wrong plants.

Do you offer planting services for both annuals and perennials?

Yes. We plant annuals, perennials, bushes, trees, and more.

Can you redesign or fix existing plant beds?

Absolutely. Many of the projects we take on involve correcting beds that were planted incorrectly years ago. That can include replacing failing plants, improving spacing, fixing drainage issues, re-edging beds, refreshing mulch, and creating a better balance between annual and perennial plantings.

Do you offer hardscaping services?

Yes. In addition to planting and plant bed maintenance, we also handle hardscaping projects such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and stone features. Hardscaping is often designed alongside planting beds so everything works together, both visually and functionally, rather than feeling pieced together later.

Conclusion

If you want planting beds that survive summer heat, return strong each spring, and stay clean all season, professional planning matters.

We handle planting bed design, planting, edging, mulching, seasonal maintenance, hedge shearing, and long-term care so your landscape keeps improving over time.

If you are looking for planting services near New Bedford, MA, or planting services near Rochester, MA, call us, and we will walk the property with you and explain what will actually work.

Call 508-763-8000 to schedule an estimate, or email request@newenglandtreeandlandscape.com to get started.

Sources

Scotts Miracle-Gro. “What Is the Difference Between Annual and Perennial Flowers?” ScottsMiracleGro.com.Garden Heights Nursery. “What’s the Difference Between Perennial and Annual Plants?” GardenHeights.com.Gardenia. “Annual vs Perennial: Understanding the Key Differences.” Gardenia.net.Garden Design. “Understanding the Difference Between Annual and Perennial Plants.” GardenDesign.com.Lawn Love. “Pros and Cons of Annual vs Perennial Plants.” LawnLove.com.