Types of Plants
Search for the plants that fit your needs.
Annuals complete their life cycle within one growing season — from spring to fall. Because they have a short life they typically flower for their entire lifespan to produce as much seed as possible to produce the next generation. Some annuals are self-seeding and may reappear year after year.
Perennials grow for more than one year but flower for a shorter duration. Some perennials are short-lived but spread by seed or underground by root so that you may not even notice the death of the original plant. Some plants that are perennials in their native lands (for example, in the tropics) are treated as if they were annuals in our area. A biennial is a flowering plant that requires two growing seasons to complete its life cycle. In the first year, the plant produces roots and foliage. The following year it flowers before dispersing seed and dying.
Shrubs are small- to medium-sized woody perennial plants distinguished from trees by their multiple stems and shorter height — usually under 13-16 ft. Plants of some species may grow either into shrubs or trees, depending on their growing conditions. Small, low shrubs are sometimes called subshrubs. Our hardiness zone is 6a or lower for winter survival.
Trees are woody perennial plants with an elongated stem or trunk that supports branches. Again, stick with trees with a hardiness zone rating of 6 to 2 and you’ll be in great shape.
Coniferous trees and shrubs produce seeds without fruits or nuts. Most conifers bear seeds in cones, have needles instead of broad leaves, and keep their needles in winter.
Deciduous plants drop their leaves each autumn. The bald cypress and dawn redwood are two examples of deciduous conifers!
Evergreens can be coniferous (pines and spruce) or broadleaf (holly and boxwood). We carry evergreen trees and shrubs.
Native plants have evolved alongside native wildlife and offer the most useful habitat — food & shelter — in addition to great beauty. Our native trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are adapted to grow in local conditions so they do well without requiring extensive resources and chemicals.
Tropicals are plants from hardiness zones 7 and higher and love to grow on patios and porches in containers during warm weather, but must be moved indoors when temperatures begin to drop outside of their home range.
Succulents have thick, fleshy foliage that retains water in arid climates and soil conditions. Many succulents are cold-hardy in our area, while succulents from tropical regions are happy to grow as houseplants.