Perennial plant

Perennial plant refers to plants that live for more than two years. They are characterized by their ability to grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back every autumn and winter, and then return in the spring from their rootstock, rather than seeding themselves as an annual plant does.

Characteristics

Perennial plants vary in their growth and form, ranging from herbaceous plants that die back at the end of their growing season to woody plants like shrubs and trees. They may retain their leafy growth all year round or shed their foliage seasonally.

Perennials typically produce fewer flowers than annuals, but their bloom period is usually longer to compensate. Some perennials, such as roses, peonies, and lilies, are prized for their flowers. Others, like ferns, hostas, and grasses, are valued for their foliage.

Cultivation

Perennial plants are often used in gardening for their ornamental features, their ability to control soil erosion, and their adaptability to a range of soil and climate conditions. They are also a popular choice for landscaping because they require less maintenance than annuals.

Perennials are propagated either by seed or by vegetative propagation. Some perennials, such as daylilies, can be propagated by division, which involves splitting an existing plant into several pieces, each of which can grow into a new plant.

Types of Perennial Plants

There are many types of perennial plants, including:

• Herbaceous perennials: These plants die back to the ground in winter and regrow in spring. Examples include peonies, daylilies, and hostas.
• Woody perennials: These include trees, shrubs, and vines. They do not die back in winter and continue to grow year after year. Examples include roses, rhododendrons, and grapevines.
• Evergreen perennials: These plants retain their leaves year-round. Examples include pine trees and holly.
• Deciduous perennials: These plants shed their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. Examples include oak trees and maple trees.

See Also

• Annual plant
• Biennial plant
• Plant life-cycle