perennial

Perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. In horticulture, perennials persist for multiple growing seasons, unlike annual plants that complete their life cycle in one year or biennials that require two years. Perennials may be herbaceous, dying back to the crown or root system during adverse seasons, or woody, persisting as shrubs or trees year after year. The term derives from Latin perennis, meaning lasting through the year.

In temperate climates, herbaceous perennials may die back annually, with new growth arising from underground structures such as crowns, roots, rhizomes, or bulbs. Woody perennials retain above-ground stems and can grow in size for many years. Flowering patterns vary: some bloom for a single season, others bloom repeatedly, and some only after mature years. Reproduction occurs by seed, but many maintain populations through vegetative propagation.

Cultivation and care: Perennials are commonly chosen for repeated blooms and seasonal structure in gardens. They generally require well-drained soil, appropriate sun exposure, and moisture management. Many can tolerate drought or shade, depending on the species. They may spread, self-seed, or form clumps; to maintain vigor, some are divided every few years.

Propagation methods include division, cuttings, layering, and seed. Division is common for clump-forming herbaceous perennials; woody perennials are often propagated by layering or cuttings.

Common examples include hosta, peony, daylily, lavender, iris, echinacea, sedum, phlox, and ornamental grasses.