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Perennials: Pretty and Persistent

Compared to store-bought annuals, perennials are reliable, resilient staples of a water-saving landscape. Perennials live more than one year with some, such as live oaks, living almost 200 years.

Through careful selection and proper care, perennials will keep your garden looking great year round – and for a long time. The key to a perennial’s true resilience and value is its life cycle:

  • After germinating, a perennial establishes itself, first through the roots and then the stems and leaves.
  • Firmly established in the second year, most perennials will flower and set seed. Others may take a few more years before blooming.
  • As winter approaches, a perennial begins to prepare for dormancy. But before the plant completely dies back or drops leaves, it develops buds for next year and stores energy in the roots.
  • In the spring when temperatures warm, the plant bursts anew with flowers, leaves and shoots.

Evergreen perennials are slightly different. Rather than going dormant in the winter, they slow down photosynthesis and respiration. They need very little water; most of the time seasonal rainfall is sufficient.

Select and plant your perennials wisely and you’ll be happy with your landscape for many years to come.

Picture of Juan Soulas
Juan Soulas
Juan Soulas is a conservation planner for San Antonio Water System. Since joining SAWS in 2007 his duties have focused on residential water use. He works with his Conservation colleagues to help customers find ways to reduce outdoor usage without compromising the health and aesthetic quality of their landscapes. Juan also coordinates engaging outreach efforts with SAWS’ conservation partners -- Bexar County Master Gardeners, Gardening Volunteers of South Texas, San Antonio Botanical Garden and Mitchell Lake Audubon Center – to increase community access to vital conservation information.
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