Perennials for Year-Round Interest: Replacing Annual Beds

Annuals provide long bloom but require replanting; perennials return yearly but have shorter bloom periods. For a mailbox bed in sun, plant 'Homestead Purple' verbena—it blooms April to frost and usually returns each spring. For a shady bed in front of privet, combine variegated hosta, Lenten rose, and self-seeding impatiens for year-round appeal.