Flowers that bloom every year are generally called perennials. Their roots or other underground parts survive from one growing season to the next, and the plants produce new growth and flowers again when conditions are right. This guide explains how perennials differ from annuals and biennials, and how to choose and care for them so they return reliably. Before buying, check your local climate, the plant’s light requirements, and whether it is suited to your garden or container.
What You’ll Need
- A sunny or shaded planting spot, or a container with drainage holes
- A soil or potting-mix option suited to the plant, with compost if the soil needs improving
- A trowel, watering can or hose, and plant labels if you are planting several kinds
- A locally appropriate planting calendar and the plant’s care label or reliable growing instructions
Step-by-Step
- Understand the term. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. Many flowering perennials die back above ground in winter, then grow again from their roots in spring. Some stay evergreen in mild climates. “Perennial” describes the plant’s life span, not a guarantee that it will flower continuously or survive every climate.
- Distinguish perennials from other flowering plants. Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, usually flowering and setting seed before dying. Biennials typically grow leaves in their first year and flower in their second, then die. Some plants sold as perennials are tender in cold areas and are grown as annuals there. A plant’s label or a reputable local nursery can clarify what to expect where you live.
- Check your growing conditions. Note how many hours of direct sun the spot gets, whether the soil drains well, and how cold winters become. Match those conditions to the plant’s requirements and hardiness information. A perennial rated for warmer climates may not survive a colder winter outdoors; one suited to a cool region may struggle in intense heat.
- Choose a plant for the right place. Read the expected mature height and spread, flowering season, and water needs. Leave enough space between plants for mature growth and airflow. If you want blooms across several months, select a mix with different flowering times rather than expecting one perennial to flower all season.
- Plant at a suitable time. In many regions, spring or early autumn is best, when temperatures are moderate and roots can establish. Follow local guidance because planting seasons vary by climate. Avoid planting into frozen, waterlogged, or extremely hot, dry soil. For a container, use a pot with drainage holes and a suitable potting mix.
- Prepare the soil and plant at the correct depth. Remove weeds and loosen the planting area. Add compost if useful for your soil, but avoid assuming that every plant needs rich soil; some perennials prefer lean or sharply drained conditions. Set the plant so the top of its root ball is level with the surrounding soil unless its label says otherwise. Firm gently, then water to settle the soil.
- Water while the plant establishes. Keep the root zone evenly moist at first, without leaving it saturated. Check the soil rather than watering automatically: rainfall, soil type, temperature, and container size all affect how quickly it dries. Once established, follow the plant’s needs; drought-tolerant species may need less frequent watering than moisture-loving ones.
- Maintain the plant and let it return. Remove spent flowers if you want to encourage further blooms or prevent unwanted seedlings, unless you want seed heads for wildlife or propagation. Remove damaged growth as needed. In autumn or spring, cut back only as appropriate for the species and local climate; some stems provide winter shelter for beneficial insects. Protect less-hardy plants if needed.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting flowers all year: Perennials usually flower for a particular season or a limited period, not continuously. Choose several plants with different bloom times for a longer display.
- Assuming every perennial survives every winter: Hardiness varies. Check the plant’s rating against your local winter conditions, and remember that wet cold can be as damaging as low temperatures for some species.
- Planting too deeply or too close: A buried crown or crowded roots can lead to poor growth, rot, or fewer flowers. Follow the label’s planting depth and spacing.
- Overwatering: Soil that stays soggy can deprive roots of oxygen and cause rot. Improve drainage or choose a better-suited plant rather than watering by a fixed schedule.
- Cutting everything back at the wrong time: Some plants benefit from a spring cutback, while others can be pruned after flowering. Learn the species’ needs before removing all stems in autumn.
Tips
- Look for plants described as hardy perennials for your region, and confirm whether they need winter protection.
- Group plants with similar sunlight and water needs to make care simpler.
- Keep the plant label or record the plant name, planting date, and location; this makes it easier to identify care needs later.
- Allow enough time for establishment. A newly planted perennial may flower lightly in its first season and become fuller in later years.
- If a plant disappears above ground in winter, mark its location so you do not accidentally dig it up while it is dormant.
Troubleshooting
The plant does not return in spring: Check whether it is a deciduous perennial that emerges late, and give it time if local conditions remain cool. If no growth appears after the usual season, possible causes include winter damage, waterlogged soil, drought, or a plant that was not hardy in your area. Confirm its identity and growing needs before replacing it.
The plant returns but does not flower: It may need more sun, time to establish, or a different pruning routine. Too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Check the plant’s light and feeding requirements and avoid applying fertilizer without a reason.
Leaves yellow or roots look unhealthy: Check soil moisture and drainage first. Persistent wetness often signals poor drainage or excessive watering; very dry soil can cause wilting and browning. Adjust watering to the plant and conditions, and make sure containers can drain freely.
The plant is crowded or flowering less over time: Some perennials benefit from division after a few years, while others do not. Look up the species’ recommended timing and method, then divide only when appropriate. Replant healthy sections promptly and water them as they establish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flowers called that bloom every year?
They are usually called perennial flowers, or simply perennials. The term means the plant can live for multiple years, not that it flowers year-round.
Do perennials come back every year?
Many do when they are suited to the climate and receive appropriate care. Severe cold, heat, drought, poor drainage, pests, or disease can prevent a perennial from returning.
Are roses perennials?
Most roses are woody perennial plants: their stems and roots can live for years, though some varieties need winter protection in cold regions.
What is the difference between perennial and annual flowers?
A perennial lives for more than two years and can regrow in later seasons. An annual completes its life cycle in one growing season, although it may leave seeds that sprout the following year.
Do perennial flowers bloom all summer?
Not usually. Each type has its own flowering period, often lasting weeks rather than the whole summer. Plant varieties with staggered bloom times for flowers over a longer period.
Can I grow perennials in pots?
Yes. Choose a pot with drainage holes and a perennial suited to your climate and container size. Container roots are more exposed to temperature changes, so some plants may need extra winter protection.