What is the difference between annual, perennial, and biennial flowers?

An annual grows from seed, blooms, sets seed, and dies in just one growing season. Petunias, marigolds, and poppies are examples of flowers widely grown as annuals. Most annuals bloom continuously from spring through fall, and need to be replanted every spring. A perennial flower is a “permanent” one, as it lives for three or more seasons. Perennials need to be fed plant food and/or replaced about every three to five years. Most perennials, such as roses and tulips, offer a burst of color for only a few weeks once a year. A biennial grows its first year, lives over the winter, and then blooms in the second season, before dying. Foxgloves and hollyhocks are examples of biennials.