Perennial Plants
Perennial plants are the most loved in the gardens, as they provide shade throughout the year and make it ever green . But there are many doubts about what exactly they are; In fact, due to the name we have given them, many of us could think that they have an infinite life expectancy.
However, this is not so. There are many species that live hundreds or even thousands of years, but all of them have a limited life, just like the rest of living beings.
What are perennials?
This type of plants are the most common in the whole world. Regardless of the type they are, that is, regardless of whether they are trees, palms, herbaceous, aquatic, etc., perennials are characterized by living more than two years . Some, like the conifer Sequoiadendron giganteum , have a life expectancy of 3200 years, but most do not exceed 100 years.
These wonderful plants have the ability to resume their growth after having spent a very cold winter or a very hot and dry summer . Some of them have evergreen leaves, so we can see them always green (although we should not be confused, since they tend to renew every year, although little by little, throughout the year), and others have deciduous leaves (of which we can contemplate only its trunk during one or two only seasons a year).
What are the differences between perennials and Annuals?
These are extraordinary plants that, while they might look similar to those that have a life cycle of one or two years, if we look a little more we will realize how different they really are. One of the main differences is the root system : the one with a perennial plant is much more developed. Its roots go deeper into the earth to absorb more water . Some of them have tubers or rhizomes, thanks to which it is easier to resurface year after year.
Another crucial difference is the amount of seeds they produce . In the case of perennials, the quantity can be incredible, of several tens of thousands; In contrast, seasonal plants produce very few in comparison. Although, it must be said, the germination rate of the latter is usually much higher; not in vain, they can only reproduce by seeds and if they are not viable, they will have spent energy for nothing.
Continuing with the theme of multiplication, perennial plants can be multiplied by different forms : one is by seeds, but you can also get new specimens by cutting, layering, division of rhizomes, and by separation of shoots or bulbs.
What types are there?
There are so many perennials, so many, that we could create a blog just for them. All those who live more than two years, are . With this in mind, we have selected for you those that you can have in pot or in the garden.
Perennial plants for pot
Cactus
The cactus, like the succulent plants, are suitable plants to grow in containers, except for those species that grow a lot, such as the Carnegia gigantea or the Espostoa lanata . Still, most will see very well in a pot in full sun avoiding the central hours of the day .
Flowers
There are many perennial flowers that you can have decorating your patio or terrace, such as carnations , geraniums (Pelargonium sp), Echincea in general (Echinacea sp) or those known by the name of of Dicentra spectabilis. They only need to receive a minimum of 4 hours of direct light a day and a regular watering so that they are perfect .
Aromatic plants
The aromatic plants , like the lavender , the mint or the mint, are perennial plants whose leaves and / or flowers give off a very pleasant aroma, so much that they are used to give flavor to numerous dishes. And the best thing is that they can be both inside and outside, as long as there are no frosts.
Perennial plants for garden
Trees
All the trees are perennial. Because of the size they can reach, the ideal thing is that they are planted in the garden , but we have to know that there are evergreens , which are those that lose their leaves throughout the year, and deciduous trees , which they are those that are left without leaves in any season (summer or winter).
Palm Trees
Palm trees, like trees, are also perennial. There are some 3000 species distributed mainly in the warm regions of the world , and only a few can be found in places of temperate climate, such as those of the genus Trachycarpus, or the species Phoenix canariensis and dactylifera , or Chamaerops humilis . Choose the one you choose, surely your garden will look even more beautiful ????.
Climbers
Perennial plants for garden
Trees
All the trees are perennial. Because of the size they can reach, the ideal thing is that they are planted in the garden , but we have to know that there are evergreens , which are those that lose their leaves throughout the year, and deciduous trees , which they are those that are left without leaves in any season (summer or winter).
Palmeras
Palm trees, like trees, are also perennial. There are some 3000 species distributed mainly in the warm regions of the world , and only a few can be found in places of temperate climate, such as those of the genus Trachycarpus, or the species Phoenix canariensis and dactylifera , or Chamaerops humilis . Choose the one you choose, surely your garden will look even more beautiful ????.
Climbers
Did you think there are no perennial climbing plants? The truth is that there are, and many more than we could think at.
For example, jasmine , dipladenia , ivy , clergy , or passiflora are just some of them.
Do you know other plants that are perennial?
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
