perenni

Perenn i, in botany, refers to plants that live for more than two years. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in a single growing season, and biennials, which require two years, perennials regrow each spring from a persistent below-ground or perennating structure. They can be herbaceous, dying back to the ground in winter, or woody, persisting above ground with a persistent framework.

Herbaceous perennials typically survive unfavorable seasons as roots, bulbs, crowns, or rhizomes and return with new shoots when conditions improve. They often flower after establishing a robust root system and may spread slowly by underground stems. Examples include hosta, daylily, peony, and echinacea.

Woody perennials, including many trees and shrubs, endure year after year with above-ground structures that persist across seasons. They contribute long-term form to landscapes and ecosystems and can live for decades or longer, depending on species and environmental conditions.

In horticulture, perennials are valued for repeated flowering and relatively low maintenance compared with annuals. Gardeners may practice division or rejuvenation every few years to maintain vigor, control spacing, and prevent overcrowding. Propagation methods include division, cuttings, layering, and, for some species, seed; some perennials are better suited to specific propagation techniques.

Ecologically, perennials support soil stability, provide habitat for pollinators, and contribute to nutrient cycling through sustained root systems that operate across multiple seasons. The diversity of perennials ranges from herbaceous ground covers to long-lived trees and shrubs, reflecting adaptations to a wide array of climates and soils.