Gardeners often wonder if evergreens are perennial, as the terms can be confusing. This article clarifies the distinct meanings of “perennial” and “evergreen” and explains their botanical relationship. Understanding these definitions aids in garden planning.
Understanding Perennials
A perennial plant lives for more than two years. This broad category includes most plant species, from small flowering plants to large trees and shrubs. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, or biennials, which take two years, perennials regrow annually.
In common gardening usage, “perennial” often refers specifically to herbaceous plants. These plants typically die back in colder months, but their rootstock survives underground, regrowing new foliage in spring. Examples include hostas and daylilies, known for their seasonal regrowth.
Understanding Evergreens
An evergreen plant retains foliage throughout the year, even in cold seasons. Unlike deciduous plants, which shed all leaves seasonally, evergreens maintain their leaves or needles. They shed older leaves gradually, not all at once.
This continuous foliage provides year-round color and structure in a landscape. Common examples include conifers like pine and fir trees, and broadleaf evergreens such as holly and rhododendron.
The Relationship Between Evergreens and Perennials
All evergreen plants are perennials because they live for more than two years. Confusion often arises because “perennial” in gardening frequently refers to herbaceous plants that die back in winter. However, botanically, any plant living beyond two years, including trees and shrubs, is a perennial.
While all evergreens are perennials, not all perennials are evergreens. Many perennials are deciduous, losing their leaves during specific seasons, typically winter. For instance, a hosta is a perennial that loses its leaves, while a pine tree is an evergreen and also a perennial. Examples of evergreen perennials include conifers, broadleaf evergreens like rhododendron and holly, and some groundcovers such as sedges and heucheras.
Benefits of Evergreens in the Landscape
Evergreens offer many advantages in landscape design due to their year-round presence. They provide continuous visual interest and color, especially in winter when other plants are dormant, and create structural elements. These plants are effective for creating natural privacy screens and windbreaks.
Their dense growth can help reduce winter heating costs by blocking cold winds from homes. Evergreens also provide shelter and habitat for local wildlife, offering protection and food sources during colder months.
Caring for Evergreen Perennials
Caring for evergreen perennials involves foundational gardening practices for their long-term health. Proper planting requires selecting a site that meets the plant’s needs for sunlight and well-draining soil. Consistent watering is important, particularly for newly planted specimens, to establish a robust root system.
Applying mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. While specific care varies among species, adequate hydration, especially during dry periods, contributes to their vitality. Fertilization can be done in early spring with a slow-release product formulated for evergreens.