Annuals and Seasonals

An annual or seasonal flower is a flower that will complete its life cycle in one blooming season. They are popular as they grow and bloom quickly, making your garden bright, colourful and beautiful during summer and autumn.

Plant them en masse for impact; they can be used to highlight the colours of other shrubberies, for lining paths directing visitors through the garden. In containers, flowering annuals can be mixed in colour and shade to show variety and personality.

Annuals can also be used as a quick fix to brighten up your garden before hosting a family event or BBQ. They bloom quickly after planting and last for many months. They also have the bonus benefit of acting as a living mulch, keeping weeds down and moisture trapped in the soil.

Popular types of annuals include Petunias, Salvias, Cyclamens, and Pansies. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with Impatiens.

Before you start, take a few days to watch the sun’s movement across your garden throughout the day, think about each area you want to plant in and how much sun it receives.

You should also consider spacing between each new plant and how many you will need to fill a space. This information will help you choose which annuals will suit which area in your garden best!

If possible, try to plant on a cloudy day or around sunset and allow them time to settle before dealing with the next day’s heat.

Many annuals require watering every day, especially if they are in the sun. Don’t wait for signs of wilting before you water. Look for symptoms such as loss of gloss on leaves or feel the soil. Most annuals like the soil slightly moist 5-10cm down. When watering, try to water the soil rather than the plant’s leaves and blooms if possible.

Fertilise your annuals when planting them in the ground. It is also a good idea to cut them back if they get too tall and remove any ‘deadheads’. You can do this by pinching or cutting off any flowers, they may need more recovery time, but they should grow back bushier with more blooms!

View Our Full Range of Annuals and Seasonals

Our gardening experts are always happy to help you choose the best annuals and seasonals for your space. Whether you’re looking for bold colour, delicate blooms, or hardy varieties, we have a fantastic selection to suit your garden.

Annuals and Seasonals

Did You Know?

Annuals are one of the most rewarding plant types for gardeners, offering quick and dramatic results. Here’s why they’re a fantastic addition to any garden:

  • They provide quick bursts of colour. Annuals and Seasonals grow and flower rapidly, making them perfect for adding instant colour to your garden. Some bloom within weeks of planting!
  • They help with soil health. Many annuals and seasonals act as living mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. They also improve soil structure over time.
  • You can extend their bloom time. Regular deadheading and trimming can encourage annuals to keep flowering for longer, ensuring a bright and lively garden throughout the season.

From Our Garden Guide

Annuals and Seasonals

Annual and seasonal flowers are a fantastic choice for gardeners who love variety and vibrant displays. Our friendly gardening experts are always happy to share advice on selecting and maintaining these plants. Check out our Gardening Advice section for more information on Annuals and Seasonals, and other helpful gardening tips.