Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, distinguishing them from annuals (which complete their life cycle in one year) and biennials (which live for two years)
. They typically grow and bloom during the spring and summer, then die back in autumn and winter, only to regrow from their root systems or other underground structures the following spring
. There are different types of perennials:
- Herbaceous perennials : These die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring, such as penstemon and ornamental poppies
- Evergreen perennials : These retain their leaves year-round, like Bergenia and some varieties of heuchera and hosta
- Woody perennials : These develop woody stems, including shrubs like lavender and some salvias
- Hardy perennials : Tolerant of cold temperatures and can be planted outdoors year-round
- Half-hardy and tender perennials : These need protection from frost or cold winters and may require being dug up and stored indoors
Perennials often have structures such as bulbs, tubers, rhizomes, or woody crowns that store nutrients and allow them to survive dormant periods like winter or dry seasons
. This adaptation gives them a competitive advantage by enabling earlier growth and longer life spans compared to annual plants
. In summary, perennials are long-lived plants that regrow each year from their existing root systems or other underground parts, providing lasting presence and often recurring blooms in gardens and natural settings
