But most perennials are long-lived, reliably returning year after year for many years if not decades.
What Is a Perennial?
Perennials are plants that continue to grow for more than two years.
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They include trees, fruits, some vegetables, and ornamental plants valued for their flowers and/or foliage.
TheUSDA Hardiness Zoneassigned to each perennial indicates which temperature range suits the plant.
Perennials vs. Annuals
The lifespan is a key difference between perennials and annuals.
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Trees and shrubs are considered woody or non-herbaceous perennials.
Tropical perennials may enter a period of dormancy during which they dont grow much.
That way you select perennials that requiresun or shade.
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If you have a problem with deer, look fordeer-resistant perennials.
In addition, since perennials bloom for short periods, check that to include plants with interesting non-blooming foliage.
Plant species native to your region are usually best adapted to your climate.
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Avoid planting species with invasive potentialfor most, there are excellent native plant alternatives.
Numerous easy-to-grow perennials, includingblack-eyed Susan, purple coneflower,daylily,sedum, hosta, peony, andsalvia.
Garden phlox,Stella de Oro daylily,andRussian sageare some of the longest-blooming perennials.
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It depends on the perennial.
Some perennials stay in place and others, such asirises, spread and form colonies over time.
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Garden with a variety of ornamental grasses.Mark Turner / Getty Images
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