Just trying to give your (city) garden, terrace, balcony or facade a fresh spring boost? Then be careful not to accidentally remove perennials. Some plants you can't see (yet), but they are there!
A perennial plant is a herbaceous (non-woody) plant that lives longer than two years. Some varieties only bloom for the first time after many years, others year after year.
Evergreen
A perennial plant only blooms for about three weeks a year on average. Many species retain their leaves, even in winter. Some are labeled 'evergreen' but turn yellow or still lose their leaves. You see this, for example, if it has been extremely dry or cold for a period. As a rule, it is correct when we talk about evergreen. They keep their leaves all year round.
They are not dead
Evergreen is sometimes confused with hardy, but it really means something different. Winter-hardy plants can withstand temperatures below zero and store their reserve food in the bulb, tuber or roots. This can also be an evergreen species, hence the confusion. There are also species that are winter hardy but disappear from your garden, container or pot. At least, it seems that way. It is often thought that a plant is always dead when it dies. It's a shame, because they often end up in the organic waste bin for that reason. For many species, life continues as normal, even in winter and underground.
Ideal conditions
All flowers, plants, shrubs and trees each require their own ideal conditions in which to grow and bloom. What exactly they need, or what maintenance you may need to perform, can be found on the card or label of the purchased plant. Take a good look at the characteristics, because this way you can enjoy the plants for years to come and you also prevent them from ending up unnecessarily in the organic waste bin.