What exactly is a perennial plant?

A perennial is a non-woody plant that dies back above ground in the winter. The roots survive the winter, and the plant sprouts again in the spring.

Characteristics of Perennials

• Herbaceous (not woody)
• Perennial (the above-ground parts die back, but the roots survive the winter)
• Has been alive for more than two years
• Blooms every year or, at least, several times during its lifetime
• Seed-forming

Perennials are ideal for pairing with ornamental grasses or combining with evergreen shrubs. That way, you’ll have a beautiful display even in winter. Incidentally, some perennials also have ornamental value in winter because their (dead) stems with seed heads remain standing.