Perennial (disambiguation) facts for kids

A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. Unlike annual plants that live for only one growing season, or biennial plants that live for two years, perennials return year after year. They often grow and bloom for many seasons.

What is a Perennial Plant?

Perennial plants are amazing survivors. They have special ways to live through tough conditions. This includes cold winters or dry summers. Their roots often stay alive underground. New stems and leaves grow from these roots each spring.

Types of Perennials

There are many different kinds of perennial plants. Some are small flowers, like daffodils or tulips. Others are large shrubs or trees. Trees and shrubs are also types of perennials. They keep their woody stems above ground all year.

Herbaceous Perennials

Many common garden flowers are herbaceous perennials. This means their stems and leaves die back to the ground each fall. But their roots survive underground. In spring, new growth appears from these roots. Examples include hostas, peonies, and daylilies.

Woody Perennials

Woody perennials have stems that stay alive above ground. These stems become woody over time. Trees like oaks and maples are woody perennials. Shrubs like roses and hydrangeas are also woody perennials. They keep their structure all year round.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Perennial plants have a unique life cycle. They spend energy on growing strong roots and storage organs. This helps them survive dormant periods. They can also reproduce in several ways.

How Perennials Reproduce

Perennials can reproduce by seeds, just like annuals. But many also spread in other ways. They might grow new plants from their roots. This is called vegetative reproduction. Some send out runners, like strawberries. Others form new bulbs or tubers. This helps them create new plants without needing seeds.

Why Perennials are Important

Perennial plants are very important for many reasons. They help keep soil healthy. Their roots hold the soil in place. This stops erosion from wind and rain. They also provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Benefits for Gardens

For gardeners, perennials are a great choice. Once planted, they come back every year. This means less work than planting annuals each spring. They can also create beautiful, long-lasting landscapes. Many perennials are also drought-tolerant. This means they need less water once they are established.

See also

• All pages beginning with "Perennial"
• All pages with titles containing "Perennial"
• Perennial philosophy, a spiritual idea about common truths across religions