Annuals

Alright, so despite their shared initials, Annuals vs. Perennials doesn't quite hold the same cultural weight as Alien vs. Predator. But for some of us, gardening truly is a matter of life and death.

The brief lives of annual flowers rejuvenate a garden with fragrance and color. Yet gardeners too have their prejudices, and some see short-lived annuals as a great deal of work, particularly when compared with enduring perennials.

How wrong they are. Annual plants provide a yearly reminder of the world's natural beauty, and it's a lesson that's never less than spectacular. Blues, oranges, reds, pinks, whites, and purples brighten the summer landscape, attracting birds and butterflies, and perfectly complementing the dependable greenery of perennials.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you'll find most annuals easy to grow, with a variety of species, colors, and cultivars to suit any taste. And if there's more you'd like to know, the articles below will provide a fresh glimpse into the wonderful world of annuals.



Annuals Guides

  • How to maintain your annual flowers and plants

    There’s really nothing complicated or intimidating about annual plants and flowers. When you choose an annual for that problem spot or for that primary center stage display bed, there are four basic factors to consider.

  • Annuals FAQ

    Find answers to commonly asked questions about annuals, including the definition and when to plant annual plants and flowers.

  • Annual flowers guide

    If you're of the generation that's more familiar with Stankonia than begonia, you probably find the typical annual flowers guide a little, oh…repetitive. Our guide to annual flowers looks for the cool, unusual, and underused blooms that could brighten up your summer.

  • Planting annuals

    Annuals, to paraphrase from Rabelais, "…trusting too much in their hopeful time, live but a while, and perish in their prime." Colorful, beautiful, and short lived, annuals lend eternal youth to any garden. Our guide to planting annuals tells you how.