Perennial and annual both describe plant life cycles, but they are not interchangeable.
A perennial lives for more than two years. In many gardens, it comes back season after season from the same roots or crown. For example, Tulips are perennial in many climates. Other common perennials include peonies and hostas.
An annual completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. It sprouts, grows, flowers, makes seeds, and dies within the year. For example, Marigolds are annual and must be replanted each year.
- Use perennial when a plant returns for multiple years.
- Use annual when a plant lasts for one season only.
- Climate matters, because some plants behave differently in different regions.
A quick memory tip: if you plant it once and it keeps coming back, it is usually perennial. If you need to plant it again next year, it is usually annual.