What does “perennial” mean?
In botany, the term perennial (per- + -ennial, through the year) is used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. It has thus been defined as a plant that lives more than 2 years. Perennials come back year after year, but annuals provide the most color. Annual flowers grow for one long season, often into the fall, then die with the onset of freezing weather. Perennials come back year after year, with some plants that live just a couple years and others that continue growing for decades.Perennial plants are those with a lifespan that lasts at least three years, though they can live significantly longer as well. Perennial foliage may die back during the winter months but will regrow from dormant roots the next season.Most marigolds are annuals, which means they won’t come back the next year after they complete the first one. However, there are some perennial marigolds, such as the Mexican marigold (Tagetes lemmonii), that can come back year after year in suitable climates (typically USDA Zones 8-11).
What is the longest flowering perennial in the UK?
Perennials such as Salvia, Geum and Dianthus flower right from May to October, but really start to take the spotlight late on in their season when little else is blooming. These hardworking perennials will bloom from May or June right through to the first frosts, often producing repeat flowerings throughout the season. Perennial plants live more than two years and are grouped into two categories: herbaceous perennials and woody perennials. Herbaceous perennials have soft, nonwoody stems that generally die back to the ground each winter. New stems grow from the plant’s crown each spring.About Perennials Flowering perennials usually bloom for only one season each year (either spring, summer, or fall), when conditions are more favorable. They die back as the weather turns cold and return the following year ready to put on a show. There are many varieties of perennials.Some common synonyms of perennial are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perpetual. While all these words mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.Practically, the best times to plant perennials are spring or fall. These seasons allow plants to get settled and grow new roots before summer’s hot, dry weather arrives. Planting in summer is okay, but you’ll need to water frequently.