Plant blazon categories may seem a bit confusing. But in one case you know the nuts that plants are grouped by their lifecycle, all will go clear.

Hither'due south a guide of the three types of plants yous can purchase. Perennial, biennial, and annual.

Perennial plants

These plants are ones that flower reliably every yr. Usually get bigger each fourth dimension. The stems die dorsum over wintertime, but the roots don't. Meaning the establish can regenerate the post-obit year.

Herbaceous

Almost plants in this category fall under the title 'herbaceous perennial'. Trees and shrubs, which don't die back to basis level over winter are sometimes referred to every bit 'woody perennials'.

Range

There is a huge range of perennial plants. And they can be used for a wide variety of planting schemes. Perennial'due south work particularly well in beds and borders. Blooms such every bit lilies, Salvia, cranesbill, peonies, hydrangea, campanula, delphiniums, Alchemilla and Kniphofia (red-hot pokers) are eye catching additions.

Evergreen

As well, at that place are also evergreen perennials that keep their leaves through the winter months, such as Euphorbia, hellebores and Tiarella.

Perennial plants may ready seed, but a common way to propagate them is by dividing established plants or taking cuttings.

Biennial plants

Biennial plants take a two-yr life bicycle. During the start year, they grow only the roots, stems and leaves. In the second year they come into flower, produce seeds and die.

No gap planting

To ensure continuous flowering year afterwards year, plant a new batch during the year that the first plants come into flower. Many biennials are also cocky-seeders, significant they spread seed around the parent establish.

blank

Pansies, foxgloves, wallflower, hollyhocks and evening primrose are all examples of biennial plants. Some biennial plants are grown equally annuals, such as parsley and celery.

Annual plants

These are plants that germinate, come into flower, fix seed and die in 1 season or year. By harvesting the seeds, you can grow them year afterwards year.

Hardy annual seeds are sown in the particular site where they will blossom. Examples of hardy annuals are poppy, cornflower and Nigella.

blank

One-half and half

Half-hardy annuals are sown in pots and kept sheltered in a greenhouse. These are so planted out afterward in the year when the take chances of frost has passed. Half-hardy annuals include creation, Lobelia, and Nasturtiums.

The most prolific flowering summer bedding plants are annuals sown from seed and they include marigold, petunia and pelargoniums.

Now you're upwards to speed with the gardeners' glossary, you lot'll be able to plan your beds and borders to be thriving year after year with colourful blooms whether you are going for a wildflower meadow or a formal garden look.