What is the difference between Annuals, Perennials, and Biennials?

Annuals - Live one season as the name implies. They devote all of their energy to producing as much seed as possible by the end of the Summer. This is great news considering that seeds are preceded by flowers of all shapes and colors. Some annuals may seem like they grow back year after year. What happens is the seed that fell from the previous year's plant has germinated the following Spring to give the illusion that the original plant grew back. Biennials - The first growing season the plants will reach maturity, the second season they produce flowers and die. Perennials - Live from year to year and produce ornamental flowers and foliage. The tops of these plants usually die back when the cold weather sets in, but the roots can withstand cold temperatures. In fact, most perennials must first go through a cold season before they will bloom the following year.  more

A. Annuals grow from seed to flower to seed all within one growing season. In other words, the plant will only last for one season. However, many annuals drop their seeds and then new plants come up from the seeds the following year.  more