everblooming

Everblooming refers to plants that produce flowers continuously or for an extended period throughout the growing season, rather than in distinct, short-lived blooming cycles. This characteristic is often a desirable trait in horticulture, as it provides prolonged visual interest and color in gardens, landscapes, and as houseplants.

The term "everblooming" can be somewhat subjective. Some plants may bloom for many months with only brief interruptions, while others might have a very long flowering season with occasional, sparse blooms. Certain varieties are specifically bred for their extended flowering capabilities, often exhibiting improved disease resistance and vigor to support continuous blooming. Factors influencing how long a plant blooms include its genetic makeup, environmental conditions such as sunlight, temperature, water availability, and soil fertility, as well as proper care and maintenance, which may include deadheading spent flowers to encourage new growth.

Examples of plants often described as everblooming include certain cultivars of roses, petunias, geraniums, and impatiens. These plants have been selected or developed to prolong their flowering period, making them popular choices for continuous color. In contrast, many plants have a more traditional bloom cycle, flowering for a few weeks or months before setting seed and entering a dormant or resting phase. The continuous flowering of everblooming plants contributes to their value in landscape design for maintaining aesthetic appeal over a greater portion of the year.