Perennial Flower Facts

Garden perennials are flowers that live for at least three years.
Perennials may not bloom in the first year, but after that they will bloom every year.
Since they bloom for many years, perennials do not need to produce as many seeds to survive.
Some perennials are herbaceous — that is, they have soft stems. The stems wither at the end of each summer and new stems grow next spring.
Woody perennials have woody stems. Their stems don’t wither, but most shed their leaves in autumn.
Perennials from temperate (cool) regions, like asters, irises, lupins, wallflowers, peonies and primroses, need a cold winter to encourage new buds to grow in spring.
Tropical perennials, such as African violets, begonias and gloxinias, cannot survive winters outdoors in temperate climates.
Most perennials spread by sending out shoots from their roots which develop into new stems.
Some perennials, such as columbines and delphiniums, last for only three or four years.
Gardeners make more perennials by taking cuttings — that is, pieces cut from stems or roots.
Polyanthus is a cross between two perennials, the primrose and cowslip.

This entry is filed under Interesting Facts.