Tender Perennial- In harsher growing zones many of these types of plants can be grown as annuals. In milder climates they will come back year after year even though many will look “dead” in the winter. Depending on your growing zone and the use of crop protection these plants can provide important blooms in seasons of dearth.
Perennial - Living more than 2 years these plants are often used in landscaping or food forests. Some produce blooms year round with a little extra love. Just like their tender cousins they can provide flowers in the shoulder seasons, when annuals are waiting to go in or on their way out. Blueberries, fruit trees, and shrubs like abutilon all fit here.
Spp. - when you see this next to a genus name it means there are multiple species that are used.
Variegated - Flowers with this designation often come in varieties that are a combination of other colors available.