Plants' Life Cycles

Plants' Life Cycles: Three Broad Categories

ANNUALS (Most) wildflowers and sunflowers are called annuals. In less than a year, they come up from seed, reach maturity, flower, make seeds, and die. That's not the end for them though. Their seeds ensure another batch the following spring, if you allow it.

PERENNIALS Small, plants grown for color or interest that aren't annuals and aren't shrubs (or bushes) are known as perennials, but they're not the only ones. Shrubs and trees are very long term residents of the garden in which they are planted, so they're obviously perennials. Many ornamental vines, all cacti and most succulents are perennials.

Because they have to make it through winter, perennials are usually suited to one climate or another, but not all climates. Strangely enough, the romantic and delicate rose is tough enough for almost any winter weather. The exotic look of Calla Lily suggests a hothouse flower, but they thrive from San Diego to Seattle. Most vines are perennials. Think of them as horizontal trees. Some, like Campsis and Wistaria, can take down wooden structures eventually.*

BIENNUALS Brussels sprouts, foxglove, and hollyhock are all members of this group. The spend a ear maturing, do little in winter, and complete their live the next year--flowers,  seeds, and any fruit they might muster. Start seeds in the same bed every year, and there won't br a bloom free year after the first one.