Biennials

May 2nd, 2024

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A Blooming Symphony of biennials, those plants that dance to a two-year rhythm, gracing our gardens with their unique life cycle. Lets explore all you need to know about Growing Biennials.

What Are Biennials?

Biennials are like the garden’s enigmatic poets. Unlike Perennials who live 2 or more years, or Annuals that live only for 1 year, Biennials take two years to complete their life cycle, unfolding their story in two distinct acts:

First Year: During this quiet phase, biennials establish their root system and grow leaves. Some form low leaf rosettes close to the ground, while others bide their time, preparing for the grand performance ahead.
Second Year: Here comes the crescendo! Biennials burst forth with tall stems, adorned by splendid flowers. They bloom, set seeds, and then gracefully exit the stage, leaving behind a legacy of beauty.

Types of Biennials

Growing Biennials – Let’s meet some of these captivating performers:

Foxgloves

Foxgloves (Digitalis):

The quintessential biennials self-seed generously near their parent plant. Their elegant spires bear tubular flowers.

Foxgloves typically grow to a height of 45 to 150 cm (18 to 60 inches).
They produce alternating, ovate to oblong leaves toward the lower part of the stem.
The stem is crowned by a tall one-sided cluster of somewhat pendulous, bell-shaped flowers.
Each flower can be up to 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) long.
Blossom colors vary and may include shades of purple, yellow, or white, often adorned with spots.

Honesty

Honesty (Lunaria annua):

Also known as the money plant, honesty boasts silvery, translucent seed pods that resemble coins. It’s a delightful addition to cottage gardens.

Growing up to 90 cm (35 inches) tall and spreading about 30 cm (12 inches) wide.
Its leaves are large, coarse, and oval-shaped, with noticeable serrations. The lower leaves have long stalks, while the upper ones are stalkless.
In spring and summer, produces terminal racemes of white or violet flowers.
After flowering, it forms showy, green to light brown, translucent seed pods called siliques (not true botanical seedpods).

Sweet William

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus):

is a captivating flowering plant that graces gardens with its elegant presence.

thrives in full sun and prefers organically rich, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils.
In hot summer climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade.
It grows up to 12-24 inches tall and spreads about 6-12 inches wide.
Sweet William will reseed each year under optimal conditions and remain in the garden.

Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis):

These delicate blue flowers evoke sentimental feelings. They thrive in partial shade and self-sow readily.

Forget-me-nots are hairy, tufted plants that typically grow to a height of 5-12 inches.
Their blue flowers are small, measuring about 3/8 inch in diameter.
These delicate blooms often have yellow or white eyes.
The buds preceding the blooms are pink, providing a delightful two-color display.

Wallflowers

Wallflowers (Erysimum):

The Wallflowers flaunt vibrant blooms in warm colors—think oranges, yellows, and reds. They’re excellent for attracting pollinators.

There are over 150 species of wallflowers, including both popular garden varieties and wild forms.
Flower colors range from yellow and orange to red, blue, and purple.

Selecting Biennials

Growing Biennials in your garden, consider the following when choosing:

Self-Sowing Potential: Some biennials are strong self-sowers. After blooming, they drop seeds, ensuring a new generation. Foxgloves and forget-me-nots fall into this category.
Complementary Trio: Aim for a harmonious trio of annuals, perennials, and biennials. Biennials bridge the gap, adding continuity to your garden’s narrative.

Caring for Biennials

To nurture these transient beauties:

Site Selection: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot, depending on the plant’s preferences.
Soil Preparation: Ensure well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
Seed Collection: Collect seeds for future seasons, allowing the cycle to continue.