The Difference Between Annuals and Perennials
One of the most common questions we hear at our central Ohio nursery is about the difference between annuals and perennials. Understanding how these two types of plants function is the first step toward creating a garden that looks beautiful from Ohio’s last frost date until the state’s first frost date. But first, what is the difference between annuals and perennials?
What is the Difference?
The easiest way to tell the difference between annuals and perennials is by looking at their lifecycles. Think of annuals as the "sprinters" of the garden. They complete their life cycle—from seed to flower to seed—in one growing season. Once the freezing winter temperatures arrive in Ohio, annuals die and will not return the following year.
Think of perennials as the "marathon runners" of your Ohio garden. While their foliage can die back when temperatures freeze, their root systems stay alive underground. When the soil warms up in the spring, they regrow and bloom once again. However, not all perennials die back during the winter.
Most perennials can live for many years, often growing larger and more impressive with each passing season.
Why Mix Both in Your Garden?
The secret to a stunning Ohio landscape is a mix of both annuals and perennials. Annuals provide instant, high-impact color that lasts all summer long, which makes them perfect for containers and hanging baskets. Perennials serve as the reliable garden elements that provide structure and seasonal interest year after year. By combining them, you ensure that something is always in bloom, even when your perennials have finished their flowering cycle. This means that your garden will consistently and constantly have something for you to enjoy.
10 Annuals for Continuous Color
We love annual plants, because they’re great for adding a pop of brightness and color to your central Ohio garden from May through October. Also, annuals are frequently plants that do well during summer. So, your garden and flower beds will stay looking fresh throughout Ohio’s summer. Consider planting the following annuals.
Petunias: These are incredibly versatile and come in nearly every color imaginable.
Zinnias: These heat-tolerant flowers are easy to grow from seed and make for excellent cut flowers. Plus, butterflies love these plants!
Marigolds: Marigolds are sun-loving, hardy plants that can deter pests or act as volunteer plants, meaning they act as sacrificial plants that draw pests away from your other plants. Plus, they look interesting and can add texture to an outdoor space.
Lantana: This plant is a magnet for butterflies (including attracting Monarch butterflies) and thrives in the hottest parts of the summer.
Begonias: These flowers come in numerous different colors and have interesting foliage that is often wonderfully fragrant. A begonia is a great choice for the shadier spots in your yard or on your porch since they are plants that do well in the shade.
Calibrachoa: These petunia-esque flowers come in a variety of colors and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Calibrachoa is great for containers and hanging baskets since it loves to spill over the edges, which gives a lush feel to any garden.
Coleus: Coleus is primarily known for its multi-colored foliage. These tropical perennials give a jungle and Jurassic feel while providing intrigue in a garden. As a bonus, they tend to avoid serious disease problems or insect infestations.
Geraniums: Geraniums are some of our favorite flowers of Ohio gardens! They come in a variety of colors, and their vibrancy make them perfect garden showcases. These flowers are great for window boxes, containers, or as ground cover plants.
Sweet Potato Vine: Use this fast-growing trailer to add lushness to hanging baskets. Its lush, lime green or deep purple colors also work well as an accent to any floral arrangement.
Vinca: These elegant flowers are drought-tolerant and keep their glossy green leaves even in high humidity.
10 Perennials for Lasting Beauty
We love the following perennials for their hardiness and ability to thrive in central Ohio’s zone 6 climate. Once established, these low-maintenance plants will greet you every spring.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea): This native plant helps local pollinators and stands up well to Ohio’s summer humidity.
Hostas: If you need plants that thrive in the shade, then the hosta is your answer. These are the kings of the shade garden and they come in a large variety of shapes and colors (check out the guacamole hosta at our Ohio garden center!).
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia): These cheerful yellow flowers bloom for a long time and are easy to grow. Plus, they support local pollinators and bloom beautifully during the summer and fall in Ohio.
Daylilies: These are some of the toughest plants available and can handle almost any soil type in central Ohio.
Peonies: Known for their massive, fragrant blooms in late spring, peonies can live for decades. If you want a showcase flower for your garden, then definitely plant peonies. You can get them in single or double blossom varieties.
Salvia: These upright spikes of purple or blue add a modern look to the garden and are drought-resistant. Bonus: salvia flowers will attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Grown primarily for their colorful foliage, heuchera work well in both sun and part-shade.
Shasta Daisies: These provide a classic garden look with bright white petals and sunny yellow centers. They are flower staples of a summer garden.
Sedum (Stonecrop): These succulents are perfect for rocky areas and provide beautiful late-season color in the fall.
Astilbe: These flowers’ feathery plumes add a soft texture to moist, shady areas of your landscape.
Visit Timbuk Farms for the Best Annuals and Perennials
Come visit us at Timbuk Farms for the best and healthiest annuals and perennials. We have decades of growing experience, and we can help you choose what’s best for your garden and for making your dream garden become a reality. Plus, you’ll love our large selection of annuals and perennials at our central Ohio garden center.
We want you to have fun with your mix of annuals and perennials! You can experiment with a new color palette each year with annuals, build a permanent sanctuary with perennials, or do both. Let your garden grow alongside your tastes and dreams.
