What are perennial plants: get to know them thoroughly

It is one of those terms that we are used to hearing in gardening but that, on many occasions, we do not know in detail. Knowing what perennial plants are is essential not only for garden design but even when choosing resistant plants for the terrace or balcony. And it is precisely that one of the characteristics of this type of plant is its duration. A detail that we must know thoroughly to avoid surprises or even annoyances.

One of the benefits of the world of plants, both in terms of outdoor plants and indoor plants, is that it offers a spectacular range of options. Something that makes the design of any natural space incredibly easy, as well as being able to play with important aspects of landscaping such as volumes, textures or even flowering times. And it is that, despite the fact that we continue to believe that flowers are only for the months of good weather, botany shows us that it is possible to enjoy them throughout the rest of the year. And yes: in that respect, early flowering perennials can be our best friends.

So let’s find out what exactly these plants are and, more importantly, which ones can bring life and color to our home.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE LIVE PLANTS?

By definition, perennial plants are those that can live for more than two years with proper care. Some that, with specific exceptions, do not usually entail great difficulty since a good part of these plants respond to the categorization of rustic plants.

But it is not the only category in which we can include perennial plants. They are also considered perennial plants but with certain peculiarities. The first one is that they are herbaceous plants. Or, put another way, that despite the passage of time they never generate woody stems as they can, for example, bushes.

Intimately linked to this detail and unlike perennials as we know them, perennial plants wither and dry with the arrival of cold. Something that usually makes us think that they have completed their cycle without knowing, many times, that we are extremely wrong. Beneath the surface, their roots are still alive and remain dormant while they regenerate. And yes: with the arrival of the appropriate season, according to each variety, they will sprout and bloom again. Precisely for this reason, the vast majority of perennial plants have a strong and thick root that is precisely responsible for keeping the plant alive.

GENERAL CARE OF THESE PLANTS

As we said, most perennial plants are considered rustic plants. A name that gives us an idea that, as far as their care is concerned, they are not going to make it very difficult for us. It is true that we cannot generalize since the spectrum of perennial plants is very wide. However, with few exceptions, growing them successfully is a really simple task.

Beyond knowing the specific needs of each variety, let’s see some tips that define the care of these plants:

• Type of soil: they are not demanding in terms of the type of substrate. They do require fertile and well-drained soils.
• Location: Most perennial plants are outdoors and exposed to full sun
• Irrigation: regular during the flowering season, and once a week the rest of the year

• Fertilizer: a dose of liquid guano at flowering time will provide them with the nutrients they need
• Temperatures: a detail to contemplate according to each variety. In the same way that there are perennial plants resistant to cold, others are not so
• Mulching: during the cold months, perennial plants appreciate a mulch that protects their roots from frost
• Pruning: they only need us to remove the withered flowers

VIVAC FLOWERING PLANTS: THE FAVORITES

It is clear that any plant lover appreciates green foliage, but make no mistake: flowers are usually our weakness. And, when it comes to perennial plants, even more so if we take into account that the variety of shapes, colors and sizes that they offer makes it almost impossible to give them up.

Apart from knowing that there are perennial plants with late blooms and others with early blooms, there is nothing like knowing some of the most striking in terms of their flowering. A selection of five essentials to fill any outdoor space with life.

1. Bougainvillea, the climber par excellence

Knowing that this incredible Mediterranean plant is one of the perennial plants will reassure us when, with the arrival of cold, it completely loses its leaves. Knowing and complying with the care of the bougainvillea will allow us to enjoy one of the most beautiful climbers that exist.

2. Hydrangea, another of the most beautiful perennial flowering plants

It is one of those plants that arouses passions, both when they are in flower and when they only unfurl their leafy leaves. Hydrangea care is not demanding except in one aspect: the type of soil. A detail that we must take care of to prevent the plant from suffering.

3. Dalia, one of the beauties of summer

No one resists his incredible presence. Showy, colorful and extremely generous in its flowering; The Dahlia is a perfect flower to fill any space with summer.

4. Hibiscus, ideal for those looking for an exotic touch

Impossible not to want to enjoy its bloom in any of its many shades! If we strictly follow the care of the hibiscus, our plant will reward us by constantly renewing its flowers from mid-spring until practically the beginning of autumn.

5. Daisies, one of the simplest and most beautiful perennial plants

Everything they have of humble they have it of beautiful. If something can be thanked to Daisies, it is that they are the ideal flower to add a wonderful wild touch to any exterior. Beyond its generous and constant flowering, its cultivation does not entail any difficulty.

And now that you know them, there is no doubt about it: you will not be able to give up enjoying perennial plants in your garden, terrace or balcony. It is simply impossible!