Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

Perennial plants are characterized by their ability to live for multiple seasons, typically returning year after year once established. This quality allows them to be a cornerstone in many garden designs, as they provide consistent blooms and foliage year after year without the need for replanting, unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in one season. Perennials often require less maintenance compared to annuals because, once they are well established, they can adapt to the growing conditions of the area, and many are resilient to pests and diseases. This long lifespan means that they can spread and establish themselves in a garden over time, contributing to the overall ecosystem by providing habitat and food for wildlife. In contrast, plants that bloom for only one season or that have a short life cycle would not be classified as perennials, as they do not have the longevity associated with this group. Frequent replanting is also not a requirement for perennials, which further reinforces their practicality and low-maintenance appeal.