They are versatile, sturdy and inexpensive. Many flowers that are not hardy such as begonias, impatiens and geraniums are also grown as annuals.
Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons.
In South Carolina many can be planted as seed in summer or fall to bloom the following spring or summer. A practical definition of annuals could be plants that must be replaced every year in the garden. Annuals are commonly grouped as hardy, half-hardy or tender. They are usually planted in the fall. Most decline or die with the onset of summer heat.