Updated 09/04/25
Plant type categories like perennial, biennials and annuals may seem a bit confusing. But once you know the basics that plants are grouped by their lifecycle, all will become clear.
Here’s a guide of the three types of plants you can buy.
Perennial plants
These plants flower reliably every year and usually grow bigger each time. The stems die back over winter, but the roots survive. This allows the plant to regenerate the following year.
Herbaceous
Most plants in this category fall under the title ‘herbaceous perennial’. However, these do not form a woody structure, unlike trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs don’t die back to ground level in winter because they have a permanent woody framework.
Range
There is a wide range of perennial plants, suitable for various planting schemes. Perennials work especially well in beds and borders. Blooms such as lilies, cranesbill, peonies, campanula, alstroemeria, delphiniums, alchemilla and kniphofia (red-hot pokers) are eye-catching additions.
Evergreen
Some perennials are evergreen and keep their leaves through winter. Examples include euphorbia, hellebores and tiarella.
Although perennial plants may set seed, gardeners often propagate them by dividing established plants or taking cuttings.
Biennial plants
Biennials have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, they grow roots, stems and leaves. In the second year, they flower, produce seeds, then die.
No gap planting
To ensure yearly flowering, plant a new batch the same year your first ones bloom. Furthermore, many biennials self-seed around the parent plant.
Common biennials include pansies, foxgloves, wallflowers, hollyhocks and evening primrose. Some, like parsley and celery, are often grown as annuals
Annual plants
Annuals germinate, flower, set seed, and die within a single season or year. By collecting their seeds, you can regrow them annually.
Alternatively, hardy annuals are sown directly into the ground where they’ll flower. Examples include poppies, cornflowers and Nigella.
Half and half
Half-hardy annuals are sown in pots and kept under cover until frosts pass. Then they’re planted out in beds or borders. These include cosmos, lobelia and nasturtiums.
Some of the most prolific flowering summer bedding plants are annuals. Marigolds, petunias and pelargoniums offer bright summer colour from seed.
Now you know the basics of plant types, you can plan beds and borders for a blooming, colourful garden every year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 – Do perennial plants bloom all year round?
Not always. Generally, they bloom in spring or summer, then die back before returning the following growing season.
2 – What is the difference between herbaceous and woody perennials?
Herbaceous perennials die back each year. In contrast, woody perennials keep stems and structure throughout the winter.
3 – Which flowers are popular perennial choices?
For long-lasting colour, plant peonies, cranesbill, alstroemeria, delphiniums or red-hot pokers in beds and borders.
4 – What defines a biennial plant?
Biennials live for two years. In year one they grow leaves, and in year two they flower and die.
5 – What’s the difference between hardy and half-hardy annuals?
Hardy annuals grow outside from seed. In contrast, half-hardy types need shelter before planting out after frost.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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Really useful and easy to understand advice foe a complete beginner. Thank you., will.use all the time
This has been the best firm of information I have found. I am a beginner in terms of gardening and everywhere else I have looked for info has been confusing and lots of lingo talk.
Definitely be using this website again.
Thank you
Fantastic – simple and easy explanation to someone learning everyday.
What does a hardy perenial do does it come up every year
Thank you
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, perennials should flower every year. Hardy plants can resist adverse growing conditions, such as frost, cold winds or drought, meaning they should survive (depending on the plant) year after year.
I hope this helps!
Hi I have two very healthy holly bushes one female one male I have not had any berries as yet I have had these bushes about 3 years; do I just have to be patient?
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your comment. There are a number of reasons why a holly bush may not be giving out berries. Firstly, make sure they are definitely male and female and not male and male or female and female. Secondly, if they are the correct sexes, they need to be planted within 200 yards of each other. Some varieties of holly do not produce berries at all so check that they are definitely berry producing trees. It can also take from 3 to 5 years for a holly to start producing berries, so unfortunately you might have to wait for another two years, but fingers crossed and hopefully they will come sooner, rather than later. Remember not to over-prune and make sure they are getting the right amount of water and sunlight. I hope this helps!
I replacemy plants in the spring and fall. Which are best for fall?
Hi Ermalee, thanks for your question! There are plenty of plants that can be sown in Autumn. Some of my favourites include Pansies, Poppies, Dahlia and Crocuses. Hope this helps.
Perfect explanation of the different types of plants excuse the pun , but no beating about the Bush.
No questions right now, The information was very good for a beginner and someone who has not tried for fear of failure. Getting older now so ‘what the heck’? LOL
Thanks
I agree with everything you said Nancy. The information was very good for a beginner. I haven’t tried for fear of failure. I’m getting older and figure “what the heck?”, so I’m going to try it and see how it turns out.
Mind me asking if you went for it and how it looks?
Thank you . All makes sense at last !
William
Thank you I will use this every time I plant as I am a complete novice
Great help loads of information
Great site, thanks David. Having moved 18 months ago into a house with already established borders but no idea what 80% of the plants are, I did have (I think!) an Hibiscus but I must have cut it back to harshly as it’s not come back at all this year. What are the chances of it coming back next year or do I count my losses and replace it? Ive noticed I have is another one and will have a go at taking heal cuttings
What does “summer perennial” mean? Only perennial if in continuous summer conditions?
Thanks. Great explanations.