PERENNIAL definition: lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring. See examples of perennial used in a sentence. Perennials bloom at varied times, offering a staggered display through different seasons.

Understanding the Context

However, they don’t bloom consistently like annuals. Their roots can withstand winter conditions but may need extra care, like mulching or storage, in colder climates. Trees and shrubs, including all gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants), are perennials, as are some herbaceous (nonwoody) flowering plants and vegetative ground covers. The difference between perennials and annuals is simple—perennials are plants that will come back and regrow year after year, while annuals die off when temperatures get too cold and require you to plant new plants the following spring.

Key Insights

perennial noun [C] (PLANT) a plant that lives for more than two years (Definition of perennial from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) A perennial plant database of over 4000 perennials, photos, detailed perennial plant profiles, gardening tips and information, resources, videos and more featuring Heritage Perennials. Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Diamonds Blue’ Photo courtesy of Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH All 63 results here Alphabetical list of all 4,000+ perennials here In the simplest terms, a perennial is a plant that lives for at least 3 or more years. We usually use this term to describe herbaceous perennials when talking about gardens. Trees and shrubs last for many years too of course, but these are woody plants. The life span of a perennial varies quite a bit, depending on climate, soil conditions, insects or diseases and the particular plant in ...

Final Thoughts