16 Common Gardening Terms You Should Know

Annual vs. Perennial

Whether a plant can live just one year or multiple years when grown under optimum conditions determines whether it is classified an annual or a perennial. Plants that complete their entire life cycle in one year or less are called annuals. Those that return for three or more years are called perennials.

If you live in a warm climate, some tender plants like lantana, which people in most climates grow as annuals, will survive your mild winter and grow again the following year. If that’s the case, then lantana would be a perennial for you but still be an annual for people who live where the cold winter will wipe it.

Some perennials have a life span of just a few years, but others can live for decades. It depends on the type of plant. Peonies often live more than 50 years. But blanket flowers (Gaillardia) usually live just three to five years. Both are classified as perennials.

Article source here: 16 Common Gardening Terms You Should Know