A perennial plant is a type of plant that lives for more than two years. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, perennials grow back each year from their root systems. They can be herbaceous, meaning they die back to the ground in winter, or woody, like shrubs and trees, which maintain their structure year-round. Perennials are often valued in gardens for their ability to provide consistent blooms and foliage over time. They require less maintenance than annuals, as they do not need to be replanted each year. Common examples of perennials include daylilies, hostas, and peonies.