Fertilizers labeled as time or slow-release fertilizer provide plant nutrients in a more natural manner that depends somewhat on interaction with natural organisms in your garden soil.
Controlled slow-release fertilizer products (aka coated) are a little bit different. They release nutrients in a specific and controlled manner regardless of fauna in the soil. Either way, gradual delivery of nutrients is preferable to a sudden overdose.
Complete fertilizer, also called 14-14-14, has equal percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. These elements help plants carry out their full life cycle. You can use it on flowering plants or specimens with colorful foliage.