What is a perennial plant?
Any plant that lives for more than two years is considered a perennial plant. Perennial plants rely on their existing root system to return year after year.
How do perennial plants differ from annual plants?
An annual plant will complete its life cycle in a single year, whereas a perennial plant will return year after year.
How do perennial plants differ from biennial plants?
Biennial plants have a two-year life cycle; they will grow foliage the first year, bloom and seed in their second year, and then they will die back. Perennial plants will flower for three or more years.
Will my perennial plant live forever?
Unfortunately not; while some perennial plants can live for decades, others may only return for three to five years.
What happens to herbaceous perennial plants in the winter months?
The foliage and stems of herbaceous perennials will die back in winter months, but the root system will stay in a dormant state ready for the warmer weather to return.
What are the three main types of perennial plants?
The three main types are herbaceous perennials, woody perennials and evergreen perennials.
Can a perennial plant be an evergreen?
All evergreen plants can be considered perennial as their leaf retention allows them to live for multiple years, however not all perennials are evergreen.
When is the best time of year to plant perennials?
Perennial plants can be planted at any time of the year, but will require additional watering while in flower or during the summer months.
Should I deadhead my perennial plants?
Deadheading is the removal of flower heads when they have begun to die back. It will prevent the perennial plant from re-seeding and can encourage a second bloom.
Are there any perennial plants that grow well in full shade?
Yes, plants like hostas, ferns, hellebores and astilbe will grow well in the shady parts of your garden.
