Perennials vs Annuals: What’s Right for Your Space?

If you’ve ever stood in a garden centre unsure whether to choose annuals or perennials, you’re not alone. These two categories form the backbone of most planting plans, but many gardeners – especially those just starting out – aren’t quite sure what the difference is, or when to use which.

The good news is, choosing the right type of plant isn’t about rules. It’s about knowing your space, how much time you want to spend gardening, and what kind of results you’re after. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between annuals and perennials, explore the benefits of each, and help you decide what’s best for your garden, patio, or balcony.

“We’ve always tried to make gardening feel less intimidating and more enjoyable. Understanding the difference between perennials and annuals is one of the easiest ways to feel more confident in your choices.”

– Josh Novell, Director

What’s the Difference?

The key difference comes down to lifespan.

Annuals complete their life cycle in a single year. They sprout, flower, set seed and die – all within one season. You’ll need to replant them each year, but they often reward you with fast, bold colour.

Perennials, on the other hand, come back year after year. They may die back over winter, but their root systems survive underground and sprout again in spring. Many perennials take a little longer to establish but can offer long-term beauty with less maintenance over time.

For more detailed information, the RHS provides excellent resources on perennials and annuals and biennials.

Why Choose Annuals?

Annuals are brilliant for gardeners who want quick results. Whether you’re filling up pots, baskets or summer borders, annuals deliver instant impact with a wide range of colours, forms and textures.

Because they only last one season, annuals are a great way to experiment. You can try new colours, shapes or layouts each year without committing long term. This makes them ideal for renters, new gardeners or anyone who likes to change things up.

Advantages of annuals:

• Flower quickly and for longer through the season
• Great for bright summer displays in pots or beds
• Wide variety available at most garden centres
• Ideal for seasonal themes or colour schemes

However, they do have some drawbacks. Since they need replanting each year, they can become costly or time-consuming if you’re using them in large areas. They also require more regular watering and feeding, especially in warm weather or container displays.

Why Choose Perennials?

Perennials suit gardeners who are building a space for the long haul. Once established, these plants return each year, often growing stronger and more beautiful as time goes on. Many are low maintenance, needing only occasional pruning, dividing or deadheading.

They also provide structure. Taller varieties such as lupins or delphiniums help shape a bed, while ground cover types like hardy geraniums fill in gaps and suppress weeds. Unlike annuals, you won’t need to refresh everything each spring – your garden will come back to life on its own.

Benefits of perennials:

• Return every year without needing to replant
• Lower maintenance after first year
• Grow larger and more established over time
• Add lasting shape and balance to beds and borders

The main downside is patience. Many perennials don’t flower in their first year, and some need a full season or two before they really shine. They also tend to die back completely over winter, so beds can look bare unless you combine them with evergreen shrubs or winter interest plants.

When to Use Annuals

Annuals are best used where colour and flexibility matter most.

Plant them in pots by your front door, create eye-catching seasonal displays in flower beds, or fill hanging baskets with trailing blooms for summer. They’re perfect for short-term bursts of interest, especially if you enjoy changing your planting scheme each year.

Try annuals if:

• You want fast-growing flowers with immediate colour
• You’re planting temporary pots or balcony containers
• You enjoy refreshing your garden’s look seasonally
• You’re gardening on a short-term or rented space

When to Use Perennials

Perennials make sense when you’re looking to build a reliable, low-effort garden. They’re ideal for planting in borders, along fences, or around patios where you want lasting form and texture.

Over time, perennials also help reduce weeding and replanting. Many will grow large enough to fill space and crowd out unwanted growth, saving you time.

Choose perennials if:

• You want a garden that comes back each year
• You’re planting a border or full bed
• You’re looking to reduce maintenance long term
• You prefer a more natural, mature garden look

Can You Combine the Two?

Absolutely, and this is where the best results often come from. Combining annuals and perennials allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Think of perennials as your framework, they create structure and rhythm year after year. You can then dot in annuals for seasonal interest, filling gaps and adding bursts of colour where needed. This also helps cover any bare patches left by perennials that haven’t yet filled out or are in dormancy.

“I always recommend a mix. Perennials give your garden structure and annuals let you play with colour and fill in the gaps. It’s the easiest way to keep your beds looking fresh without a full replant every year.”

– Jason, Plant Area Manager

For example, you might plant hardy geraniums and sedums in a border, and add a few cheerful marigolds or cosmos in spring to bring extra colour for the summer.

What’s Right for Your Space?

Ultimately, it depends on your goals. If you want low maintenance and structure, go for perennials. If you love vibrant displays and don’t mind replanting, choose annuals. And if you want both – go for a blend.

Consider your space:

• Small patios or balconies: annuals work well in pots
• Established beds or large borders: perennials provide shape
• Front gardens or kerb appeal spots: annuals create instant charm
• Low-maintenance areas: perennials will save time year to year

Think about your time, budget and how much you want to experiment. There’s no wrong choice, just what suits your lifestyle best.

Summary: A Balanced Garden Is Often Best

Now you know the difference between annuals and perennials, you can make more confident choices when planning your garden. Annuals bring short-term colour and drama, while perennials reward patience with long-term growth and lower effort.

For most gardeners, a combination of both gives the best of both worlds – structure and spontaneity, reliability and creativity.

Browse our collection of perennials and annuals to find plants that suit your space, schedule and style. Whether you’re planting up a border or refreshing your patio pots, we’ve got everything you need to get growing.