How long do perennials typically live?

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, which directly aligns with the correct answer. These plants typically emerge, grow, bloom, and die back to their roots in one season, only to return again in the subsequent seasons. This cycle allows them to persist in the landscape for multiple years, making them a long-lasting addition to gardens and landscapes.

Many perennials can live for several years, with some species capable of thriving for decades under optimal conditions. Their hardiness and ability to adapt to the environment contribute to their longevity. Understanding the lifespan of perennials can help gardeners design gardens that provide continuous blooms and seasonal interest over the years, contrasting with annual plants that complete their entire life cycle within one year.

The other choices do not fully reflect the typical characteristics of perennials. For instance, one growing season applies mainly to annuals, while the lifespan of two to five years could imply some shorter-lived perennials but does not capture the broader category of perennials that last significantly longer. The statement about living shorter than annuals also mischaracterizes perennials, as annuals complete their life cycle in one year, while perennials are defined by their ability to live on beyond that period.