Understanding Wildflowers: Perennials, Annuals, and Biennials – Growing Success!

27th October 2023

Understanding Wildflowers: Perennials, Annuals, and Biennials – Growing Success! 

Seedboms allow you to easily spruce up your surroundings. They bring vibrant colours and a sense of wilderness to gardens and urban spaces. When planning which Seedboms you want to grow, understanding the differences between perennials, annuals, and biennials is key. Many of our Seedboms contain a blend of different wildflowers, meaning you should get a good mix of blooms with every throw. Some will bloom quickly, some will come back year after year, and some might take a bit longer to flower. Most importantly, regardless of which Seedbom selection you make, rest easy knowing you’ll be doing good for pollinators, people and the planet! 

Guerrilla Gardening Grenades filled with Flower Power Potential!

Are wildflowers perennial?

In short, yes and no! Some are, some aren’t. Wildflowers fall into each category, so choose wisely based on your flower power preferences. Perennial wildflowers are particularly popular for creating long-lasting, low-maintenance bursts of colour in gardens and beyond.

Definition: Perennial wildflowers are plants that live for more than two years. They return year after year, often becoming stronger and more vibrant as they mature.

Characteristics:

• Longevity: Perennials have a long lifespan, blooming for multiple seasons.
• Stability: Once established, perennials provide a stable presence wherever they grow.
• Adaptability: They can adapt to changing weather conditions, making them resilient choices for varying climates.
• Wildlife Habitat: Perennials offer a consistent habitat for our important pollinating pals.

Perennials to plant, throw and grow: Butterflybom, Pollinator, Wilderbom, Featherbom, Foragebom

Which wildflowers are annuals?

Some wildflowers are classed as annuals. They typically flower quickly and then shed their seeds, with each flower only lasting one season. They’ll grow back year after year providing their seeds take hold! 

Definition: Annual wildflowers complete their life cycle within a single growing season, from germination to seed production, and then die off.

Characteristics:

• Rapid Growth: Annuals sprout, bloom, and set seeds quickly, providing instant bursts of colour.
• Versatility: Why not experiment with various annual species each year, creating ever-changing displays!
• Fillers: Annuals are excellent for filling gaps wherever they grow, and adding diversity to urban landscapes.
• Seeding: They often produce a copious amount of seeds, ensuring the next generation’s growth.

Chuck these awesome annuals: Urban Bloomer, Rainbowbom, Cornflower Fairylights, Cornflower Power, Poppy Peacebom, Starflower 

Biennial Wildflowers: Nature’s Two-Year Story

Definition: Biennial wildflowers have a two-year life cycle. They grow leaves and perhaps a small sprout close to the ground in the first year, producing flowers and seeds in the second year before dying off. 

Characteristics:

• Patience: Biennials require a waiting period for the flowering phase, making them a mid-term investment, but one that’s well worth the wait!
• Self-Seeding: They often self-seed, allowing new plants to grow and continue the cycle.
• Adaptation: Biennials can adapt to any conditions and thrive with minimal maintenance.

Brilliant Biennials waiting to bloom: Lovebom, Featherbom, Foragebom

Choose your ‘boms wisely!

When planning which Seedboms to lob, consider the purpose and aesthetic you want to achieve. We’ve already done the hard bit and made sure that each Seedbom has a mix of hardy, pollinator friendly wildflowers that are ready and waiting to grow! Perennials offer enduring beauty and a stable habitat for wildlife. Annuals bring immediate bursts of colour and versatility, while biennials provide a middle-ground, adding variety to any landscape.

By understanding the unique traits of perennials, annuals, and biennials, you can create harmonious and visually appealing spaces that change and evolve with each season. Whether you prefer the enduring charm of perennials, the instant vibrancy of annuals, or the patient beauty of biennials, wildflowers offer a diverse palette for your stealthy guerrilla gardening adventures.

How to Seedbom?

It couldn’t be easier! Check out our handy guide here.

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Read next: Seedbom Stealth: The Secrets to Autumn planting success!

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