Annuals - Lifespan: Under 1 year

An annual is a plant that will only live one season before dying and not returning the following season. Annuals provide instant and vibrant splashes of color to your landscape and are usually vigorous growers that bloom early and keep blooming all summer if properly cared for. Examples of annual plants include: pansies, gerbera daisies, impatiens, petunias and geraniums.

Biennials - Lifespan: 2 years

These plants are not exactly prevalent in the landscape, but are worth a mention because some are absolutely stunning. A biennial completes their life cycle in two seasons, the first season will typically be a growing season with only foliage to show while collecting energy in their roots for the next season. The second season is when they will flower and eventually go to seed if properly cared for. Examples of biennial plants include foxglove, delphinium and hollyhock.

Perennials - Lifespan: Over 2 years (enduring)

A perennial plant is a plant that will live and return from dormancy for more than two years with proper care. These plants will generally die back above ground in the fall and reemerge from the energy stored in their root stock in the spring. Examples of perennial plants include: purple cone flowers, blackeyed susans, hostas, hydrangeas and lilies.

Shrubs and Trees - Lifespan: Over 2 years (enduring)

Shrubs and trees are also catagorized as perennials but are generally distinguished by retaining woody stems and possibly their foliage over the colder months.  Examples of these include: boxwoods, sugar maples, sandcherries, euonymus, junipers and roses.