Perennials vs. Annuals – How Do You Know What to Plant?

Spring is around the corner and it is time to start thinking about planting flowers and plants in the yard. We hear a lot about perennials and annuals. Some homeowners prefer perennials while others want annuals. Does it really matter? What is the difference between the two?

Basic Differences

Perennials – A lot of homeowners like perennials because they require less work since you plant them once and they usually come back year after year.   They bloom in spring, summer, and some in late fall. The drawback is the blooms rarely last a full season. Some examples of perennials would be tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and roses.

Annuals – These flowers are full of color and are a quick way to fill in empty spots. However, they require replanting every year. They tend to produce more flowers and bloom for longer periods of time. Some will bloom through more than one season. It is possible that some seeds can germinate for next year but it is sporadic and doesn’t happen that often. Some examples of annuals are petunias, marigolds, and Gerber daisies.

What to Plant

So how do you know what to plant? A lot of that depends on your personal preference, the amount of shade and light you have, your soil, and the overall design and function of your yard. You should take into consideration different flowers and plants that grow well in your region. Some plants like lots of water where others thrive with less.

At Earthworks Landscape Design we recommend a combination of both perennials and annuals. There are so many different beautiful plants and flowers that can be incorporated into your Charlotte landscape design. Most perennials set the background or stage for your landscaping. You can have different perennials that bloom throughout the different seasons and still enjoy a lush green yard with hints of color. Many homeowners will also use potted plants for their annuals. They can add bursts of color where they want around the yard.

Designing your backyard and getting the right balance and combination of different plants is really an art. Our landscaping design experts at Earthworks Landscape Design understand the landscaping design rules and what plants grow best in the Charlotte region. If you would like to receive a free estimate to help you determine what plants we recommend for your Charlotte area landscaping you can click here to schedule an appointment.