Plant Selection & Pairing

The yearly “sustainment costs” of perennials is somewhat less than annuals when winter weather is mild and winter survival is high.

The cost of perennials is influenced by diligence of maintenance and severity of winter weather, level of cloud cover, wind, and heat transfer through the supporting wall.

Perennials can cost more annually, following a harsh winter (and comparatively high plant losses).

Perennials require the investment of a winter cover (in areas with freezing temperatures).

Annuals have predictable costs year after year.

There are few, if any, surprises with annuals.

Perennials require attentive maintenance and availability of labor.

With perennials, each spring reveals the relative success with overwintering—then plants must be ordered to account for replanting.

In cold winter climates, annuals require fewer maintenance events, and therefore are comparatively easier to manage than perennials.

In cold winter climates, the palette of perennials is quite narrow (appx. 10 very winter hardy species). In warm winter climates, the palette is more diverse.

Perennials flower seasonally, less than annuals which often flower all season.

A broad palette of annuals can be used.

Annuals are more colorful and can be more visually stunning. Perennials are more subtle.

Annuals can be food (herbs, peppers, tomatoes), and growing them can contribute to health and wellness initiatives.

In cold winter regions, perennials should be covered during winter, and therefore don’t provide any food or habitat during winter. In mild winter regions, covering is less important.

Annuals can provide prodigious amounts of pollen and nectar, as do many perennials.

A broad palette of annuals can be used.

Regardless of whether annuals or perennials are used, soil and plant matter can be composted and reused for landscape beds or garden space.