Perennial Plants

Short overview
Perennial plants are those that live for more than two growing seasons, returning year after year from the same root system. They form a foundational part of many gardens, valued for their longevity, seasonal interest, and wide range of forms, flowers, and foliage types.

Key characteristics

• Plant type: Herbaceous or woody plants that persist for multiple years
• Lifecycle: Top growth may die back seasonally while roots remain alive
• Diversity: Includes flowering plants, ornamental grasses, groundcovers, and foliage plants
• Flowering: Many perennials have defined bloom seasons; others are grown for foliage interest
• Growth habit: Varies widely—clumping, spreading, upright, or trailing
• Mature size: Highly variable depending on species

General growing notes

• Light: Requirements vary from full sun to full shade depending on species
• Water: Needs vary widely; some prefer moist soils while others tolerate drought
• Soil: Most prefer well-drained soil, though specific needs vary by plant
• Maintenance: Periodic division, pruning, or cutting back may be needed to maintain vigor

Note: Care requirements, size, and seasonal performance vary significantly among perennial species and cultivars.