List of Different Kinds of Flowers

Annuals

• Annuals complete their lifecycle within one growing season. These plants grow, produce blooms and die in 1 year. This is suitable for areas with short growing seasons, or for gardeners looking to plant colored blooms for short but vibrant bursts of color. While most annuals grow and bloom throughout the season, others only grow for a short time before dying. Annuals that bloom during the winter months include dianthus, sweet alyssum, winter pansy and calendula. Summer-blooming annuals include impatiens, zinnia, begonias and pansies. Grow the annuals in containers or flowerbeds to brighten up a shaded or sunny spot with color, form, foliage or fragrance.

Perennials

• Perennials are flowers that grow for at least two seasons but bloom for a limited time every year. Gardeners do not have to plant perennials every year, as they grow back from existing roots. Perennials offer ever-changing garden views because the flowers in display always have something new to present when in bloom. Because these plants only bloom for a short time every year, gardeners often mix them with different types of annuals to keep the garden looking lively, attractive and colorful for many months. Winter perennials include salvia, aster, chrysanthemum, sedum and Japanese anemone. Summer bloomers include geraniums, Shasta daisy, butterfly weed, daylily, hosta, Veronica, black-eyed Susan and baby's breath. Although many perennial flowers do not bloom for extended periods, they liven up the landscape with their different colored or textured foliage.

Biennials

• Biennials last for two years but bloom only during the second year. According to the Texas A&M University, biennials usually grow into a small rosette of foliage during the first growing season. The plant produces a stem and flower during the second year that blooms for some time but dies back after the end of the bloom period. Biennials for spring to early summer include sweet Williams, foxgloves and Queen Anne's lace. Biennials for end summer to fall include yellow mulleins and purple hollyhocks.