This week I had a few visits and calls from gardening friends and new customers, who are still confused about the difference between annual and perennial plants.
It is really quite simple. When you visit plant shops or vendors, they should have the necessary knowledge to guide you through your purchase. They should be able tell you what is an annual and what is a perennial.
However, here is a brief guide:
Annuals grow from seeds and the plants last approximately 3 to 4 months, sometimes 5 months if you are lucky. Annuals are quite colourful when in bloom. Some examples of annuals are: Zinnia, Marigold, Coxcomb, Bachelor’s Button, Aster, Busy Lizzy, Lady Slipper and Petunia. Perennials grow from young plants and cuttings and last for years as long as they are well cared for. Some examples are: Ixora, Bougainvillea, Buttercup, Mussaenda, Rose, Song of India, Hibiscus and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Trees are also grown from seeds and last for many years. It is said that some of the trees in the city are over 100 years old.
This should help you to choose your plants correctly. You can also Google the name of the plant and read up on it.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
