Annual flowers are a great way to add color and beauty to your landscape in Tennessee. However, there are two types of annuals: hardy and tender. Hardy annuals are cool-season plants that thrive when the temperatures are cooler. They can be planted in early spring or fall to bring color to your landscape at the start and end of the growing season. On the other hand, tender annuals are warm-season plants that don't do well in cold temperatures. These types of annuals should be planted in late spring or early summer after the cold temperatures have subsided. Some examples of hardy annuals include pansies, poppies, and snapdragons, while some examples of tender annuals include begonias, verbenas, impatiens, and coleuses.

What are hardy annual flowers?

White and purple pansy flowers in Memphis, TN.

Hardy annual flowers are plants that thrive when the temperatures are cooler. Because of this, they're also known as cool-season annuals. They can withstand some frost, making them perfect for early spring or fall planting. They can be planted in early spring to bring color to your landscape as the growing season gets underway before other flowers start blooming. Meanwhile, fall plantings will keep your landscape bright even as the growing season comes to an end.

What are tender annual flowers?

Vibrant, purple flowers in a landscape in Memphis, TN.

Tender annual flowers are warm-season plants that don't do well in cold temperatures. They are native to more tropical climates and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Due to this, these plants are also known as warm-season annuals. Because of their sensitivity to cold temperatures, tender annuals should be planted in late spring or early summer after this threat has subsided to ensure they have ideal conditions to remain vibrant additions to your landscape.

Annual flowers only live for one growing season, so you will need to replant them every year.

Examples of Hardy & Tender Annual Flowers

There are many different types of annual flowers to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Both hardy and tender annual flowers are great for certain times of the year, ensuring your landscape is full of color throughout the entire growing season! Some examples of hardy annuals include:

  • Pansies: Pansies come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, and white. They are known for their heart-shaped petals and are typically installed in the fall.
  • Poppies: Poppies are vibrant flowers with beautiful blooms, making them a great addition to landscapes.
  • Snapdragons: Snapdragons get their name from their uniquely shaped flowers, which open and close for pollinators and resemble a dragon's mouth. These annuals come in various colors for a lively display.

On the other hand, here are some examples of tender annual flowers:

  • Begonias: Begonias are known for their waxy leaves and beautiful blooms that range in color from pink and white to red.
  • Verbenas: Verbenas have small, cluster-forming flowers that come in vibrant colors and keep landscapes bright throughout the warmer months.
  • Impatiens: Impatiens boast showy flowers that create eye-catching displays in landscapes. They also thrive in shade, making them perfect for properties that don't receive much sunlight!
  • Coleus: Coleuses are plants with large, uniquely-colored foliage and require little maintenance to stay healthy.

Call us today to schedule our annual flower installation service!

At Picture Perfect Landscapes, we will help you add color to your landscape with our annual flower installation service. We offer a wide variety of hardy and tender annuals to choose from, including pansies, snapdragons, begonias, verbenas, impatiens, coleuses, and more. Homeowners, business owners, and HOAs in Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, and throughout the surrounding areas of Tennessee are served by our team. Give us a call today at (901) 246-7656 to schedule our annual flower installation service. We look forward to working with you to bring your landscape to life with beautiful, vibrant flowers!