Annuals
Annuals are flowers and plants that grow for only one season. As the season comes to an end, plants will die away. Annuals must be planted every spring. Common examples of popular annuals are marigolds, petunias and impatients.

Perennials
Perennials are flowers and plants that survive through more than one growing season. During cold winter months, plants may become dormant or appear to die away. With warm spring weather, these plants will begin to regenerate existing stalks and branches or begin producing new growth.

Perennial by Zone
Depending on your climate, some perennials may be grown as annuals in your area. Plants that do not tolerate cold weather may be grown as perennials in warm weather climates. These same plants may die away during harsh winter months in cold climates similar to traditional annuals.