So do perennials come back every year?
In short, yes. Perennials do come back every year.
There are some factors that contribute to the life of a perennial plant. Factors that influence the life of a perennial include some of the following:- Your USDA growing zone
- The planting location and soil conditions
- Amount of sun exposure
- How much water the plant needs to succeed
- Presence of disease, bacteria, and pests, as well as the plants’ resistance to these
- How crowded the root zone is
Perennial vs. Annual vs. Biennial
These are terms are thrown around by many gardeners and can confuse those who are new to outdoor gardening. To add to the confusion, a plant that is perennial in one location may not be in another location.
But let’s set the record straight. Here are the simple definitions for annuals, perennials, and biennials:
A biennial is a type of plant grows vegetative growth the first year, and then flowers, seeds and dies the second year.
A perennial is a plant that has vegetative growth, flowers, seeds, and returns year after year. To be considered a perennial, a plant has to live for at least two years or more. However, most perennials live for far longer than that.
So yes, perennials do come back every year.
Zone importance
It is essential to know what USDA zone you live in if you are a gardener. A zone is the area you live in and is based on average high and low temperatures as well as other climate-related factors.
Some plants can tolerate icy conditions in winter, while others cannot. Plants that can tolerate frost are often referred to as ‘hardy.’ Whereas plants that cannot tolerate frost are referred to as ‘tender.’
Some plants that are considered annuals in Maine may be considered perennials in Texas because of the difference in the climate. Knowing your zone means that you can purchase the plants best suited to your location.
We have a tool on our website that will inform you of your zone. Just click this link that takes you to our home page, type in your zip code, and we will tell you your USDA growing zone. There is no sign-up required!
How tell if a plant is perennial?
The best way to tell if your plant is perennial and will come back every year is by identification. There are plenty of ways you can identify plants:
- Research online using plant identification websites
- Go to your local library and research plant identifications (the best books are those geared toward your state or region)
- If you are having a difficult time identifying a plant, call your local Extension Office; Master Gardeners are volunteers who are educated to field a variety of garden-related questions
- Some universities offer plant ID services; this is the most accurate form of identification
The easiest way to tell if a plant is perennial is whether it comes back the following year. Because perennials come back every year, you can tell if a plant is perennial by its regular return.
Even if the plant seems to die in the winter, the roots may still be alive and well. Herbaceous perennials have vegetation that dies in winter that will regrow in spring or summer. These are still considered perennials.
Why plant perennials?
All types of flowers make for a beautiful garden, whether they be annuals, perennials, or biennials. Each has its place in a garden.
The benefit of perennials is that they come back every year! With plants that have a long life, you will be required to do less work digging and planting. This frees up your time to plant other plants or do whatever else your heart desires.
Aside from starting your own seeds at home which is time-intensive, buying perennials is the most cost-effective way to create a garden. Unless, of course, you have friends who give you plants for free. But they did have to get their perennials from somewhere!
How to take care of perennials
Each plant has different care requirements. Here are some things to consider when shopping for perennials:
- How much sun does the plant need?
- What soil conditions can this plant tolerate (clay, sand, etc.)?
- How often will the plant need water?
- Will the plant need to be divided in later years to maintain full growth?
- Will the dead vegetation need to be removed in the fall or spring?
Before you begin to feel overwhelmed, let me tell you that plants are resilient. Many plants have been grown with little consideration for their needs and have done just fine. And, most beginner gardeners have learned by trial and error.
However, for the best results, it is recommended that you have a general idea of what your plant needs so that you can have the best possible outcome. That way you can rest assured knowing you’ve put the right plant in the right place.
5 of the most versatile perennials to add to your garden:
This is a short list of a few garden staples. These plants are praised for their beauty, their blooms, and how much food they provide to pollinators. These plants are resilient and consistent bloomers. Plus, they can fit into many garden styles.
Yarrow
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: up to 3 feet
Water: average to moist
Best for pollinator gardens, borders, and cottage gardens
Check out the Yarrow product page here
Brown Eyed Susan
Black eyed Susan is a joyful flower. In addition to attracting pollinators, it gives any garden a cheerful look. There are few who wouldn't recognize its iconic blooms. It is a favorite among children and makes for an excellent cut flower. It also has a long blooming season and will flower throughout summer.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: up to 3 feet
Water: average to moist
Best for pollinator gardens, borders, and cottage gardens
Check out the Brown Eyed Susan product page here
Orange Daylily
The orange daylily is another flower that will return to your garden year after year. While each flower only lasts a day, it is generous with how many blooms it puts out in a season. It is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and an excellent plant to fill in spaces.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: up to 3 feet
Water: average to moist
Best for pollinator gardens, borders, and cottage gardens
Check out the Orange Daylily product page here
Milkweed
No pollinator garden would be complete without the vital milkweed. This plant is an essential habitat and food plant for the Monarch Butterfly. In recent years, it has skyrocketed in popularity due to how beneficial it is for pollinators.
Zones: 4 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: up to 3½ feet
Water: average to moist
Best for pollinator gardens, borders, woodlands edge, and cottage gardens
Check out the Milkweed product page here
Oxeye Daisy
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade
Mature height: up to 8 inches
Water: Average to somewhat dry
Best for woodland gardens, alpine gardens, containers, and shaded borders
Check out the Oxeye Daisy product page here
We hope this list answered your questions. Remember, perennials come back every year so they are a great investment. If you have any other garden-related questions, feel free to reach out! Whether you are a customer or not, we love talking plants with anyone!
