So you desire to elevate your landscaping design with annuals, perennials, or shrubs? Fantastic!
But wait, what is the actual difference between annuals, perennials, and shrubs?
Glad you asked.
Let’s start with annuals.
What are annuals?
Annuals complete their entire life cycle, from germination to seed production, within a single growing season. Most annuals do not survive the winter and thus have to be replanted. With shallow roots, annuals spend their energy blooming bold colors, tender petals, and vibrant foliage to shine in the spring/summer months. For this reason, annuals are considered the “show me” plant, as they bring a pop of color to your garden landscaping design.
Annuals provide a gorgeous way to add vibrant oranges, yellows, pinks, blues, or cream hues to your greenery. While annuals can be planted traditionally, containers are the simplest way to add annuals to your landscaping design. Think window boxes, porch boxes, hanging baskets, and pots. Containers provide the options for additional aesthetic design to your landscape design. Just remember to select containers proportional to the type and number of plants to be grown. Containers should be considered for their adequate drainage hole(s).
Here we should note, that some people steer away from annuals because of their high-maintenance reputation. The secret is doing your research or hiring experts to aid you in the selection of water-wise annuals that thrive in your environment, are low maintenance, and easy. Adding water-wise annuals that love slow-release fertilizer provides an earth-friendly, simple way to incorporate these bold beauties without the headache. Annuals can be designed within any space.
Suggestions of annuals favored in this region:
- Bells of Ireland
- Marigolds
- Pansy
Interested in adding containers, vibrant florals, or foliage that sings spring and summer? Then consider annuals, without a robust root system they give all their effort to shine brightly in their season.
What are perennials?
Perennials grow all of their foliage and florals in one season, complete their cycle for winter, and then emerge again next spring.
Once planted perennials live for multiple years, and unlike annuals which flower in their season – all season long, perennials bloom for a limited time. Typically, perennials bloom lavishly a month to six weeks for floral blooms. This makes their reward for planting and stewardship gratifying.
Because perennials last from year to year, it is a common misconception that they require little time or attention. To look their best, perennials do require attention and in most cases, perennials should be selected based on their ability to perform well in your region. Perennials can be planted from seed, but many landscapers prefer to start with established plants. You may acquire mature perennials from distributors and then plant them in containers or directly within your landscape design.
Pro Tip: For Planting Your Spring Flowers
Plant perennials in early spring or fall. Fall is preferred as it gives your plant more time to acclimate and “grow at home” in your landscape design.
Before planting consider your regional climate, the space you are working with, sunlight, shade, height, color, time and length of bloom, and all aspects of the plant environment.
Unlike annuals, some perennials are tolerant of poor drainage but do your research.
Many perennials are shed during fall, are durable during winter, and revive during the spring.
Pro Tip: Considering Their Roots
Consider the roots. Perennial planting attentiveness is critical. Planting too deep may rot your plant. Tangled roots may choke your plant. Untangle and spread the roots for optimal health. Be sure to firm the soil around the roots and water. Maintenance and attentiveness during the fall shedding season will aid in the vibrant bloom awaiting to stun during the budding spring and summer seasons. There are a few perennials that maintain foliage throughout winter. It may look dead during the winter, but it’s likely not.
Research or hire an expert to find the best option for you.
Suggestion of perennials popular in this region:
- Aster
- Iris
- Cone Flowers
- Peony
What are shrubs?
Shrubs are not trees. Shrubs are small to medium size woody perennial plants with multiple steams.
Wait, perennials can be shrubs?
Yes.
The key difference here is “woody” and “multiple stems”. That is the area to focus on for shrubs. Shrubs are woody plants that are permanent elements of your landscape design. Annuals bring the color all season long, perennials last annually but vibrantly bloom limitedly, between four to six weeks, and shrubs are the woody plants that are either evergreen or shed their leaves in winter. When you think of shrubs, think of the structure to your landscape design. Shrubs survive year after year.
Most shrubs may need trimming to extend their bloom time, but typically they are relatively low maintenance. Shrubs are also water-wise. Ask your landscape designer about the most drought-resistant shrub for your area. Many landscapers would rate shrubs as low maintenance.
How would you use shrubs in your landscape design?
Shrubs can be utilized in small backyard designs or added to commercial lawns to provide structure and fullness to your design. This structure really helps your perennials and annuals shine brightly throughout the seasons. Most shrubs don’t die back down completely during winter, providing texture and a manicured design to your landscape all year long. Many shrubs keep their woody structure and then sprout new growth off of the woody structure in the spring.
It’s important to note that shrubs may also bud florals. This is something to consider in your overall landscape design.
Shrubs native to your region:
- Azaleas
- False Indigo Bush
- Red Chokeberry
- Swap Rose
Conclusion:
Are you ready to create your colorful landscape? Whether you’re drawn to the bold, bright colors of annuals, the year round beauty of perennials, or the structure, sturdiness and year-round appeal of shrubs, there’s no shortage of creative and elevated ways to create your landscape design. If you’re unsure about what option will be best for you and your space, don’t worry – we’re here to help! Our team of experts can guide you in selecting the perfect plants tailored to your environment and design vision. Reach out to us today, and let’s bring your landscaping dreams to life.
Here’s to enjoying a lovely manicured outdoor space full of texture, sweet florals, and bold colors.
