Among the following, which is the ornamental biennial?

Among the following, which is the ornamental biennial?

• A. Marigold
• B. Begonia
• C. Zinnia
• D. Hollyhock

Answer: (D)

Biennials complete their life cycle in two years, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering in the second before dying. Hollyhock fits this pattern: in its first year it grows a leafy base, then in the second year sends up tall flowering stems with many blooms, ending its life after the flowers fade. By contrast, marigold and zinnia are usually grown as annuals, completing their life cycle in one growing season, and begonia is generally treated as an annual in temperate areas (though some tropical varieties can be perennials).

Biennials complete their life cycle in two years, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering in the second before dying. Hollyhock fits this pattern: in its first year it grows a leafy base, then in the second year sends up tall flowering stems with many blooms, ending its life after the flowers fade. By contrast, marigold and zinnia are usually grown as annuals, completing their life cycle in one growing season, and begonia is generally treated as an annual in temperate areas (though some tropical varieties can be perennials).