What are Perennial Plants?

Perennial plants are plants, flowering plants, ornamental grasses, or ground covers that generally live for more than two years.

Some perennials lose their vivacity in three to five years and need to be replanted, while many perennials seem to stick around forever.

Usually, perennials appear to die during the winter, but come springtime they pop back up to greet the summer with awesome blooms or foliage.

This is the reason that many people prefer planting perennial flower garden designs and complementing them with annual flowers . This technique is a cost-effective way to have a flourishing flower garden every year.

The Benefits of Perennials

1. Annuals that live for one year
2. Biennials that usually grow for two seasons
3. Perennials that live for two years or more

• Perennials last longer than annuals or biennials
• They are much easier to take care of and usually don’t require cold treatment or vernalization like many biennials do
• Most perennials are deep rooters, so they are more durable than other plants
• Perennials are often used to prevent erosion
• Perennials are as strong as, if not stronger, than most weeds
• In warm climates, sometimes perennials grow year round

You do need to be aware that sometimes plants are considered perennials because they fit the definition of perennial plants in their native area, but in other areas they are used as annuals or biennials. So, don’t take someone’s word that a specific plant is a perennial without checking out your hardiness zone.

Learn about using perennial gardening for year-round color.

Popular Perennials

• Amaryllis
• Bletilla Orchids
• Christmas Cactus
• Dahlias
• Orchid Plants
• Peonies

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