What is a common characteristic of perennial plants?

Perennial plants are defined by their ability to return year after year without needing to be replanted. This characteristic sets them apart from annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season and must be replanted each year. Perennials go through a growth cycle that includes periods of dormancy, often during the winter months, but the root systems remain alive and can produce new growth in the following seasons. This natural resilience allows gardeners to enjoy these plants over multiple growing seasons, enhancing the durability and sustainability of landscape designs.

As for the other choices, they don’t align with the fundamental nature of perennials. While some perennials may bloom at particular times, many have staggered blooming periods that can extend over several weeks or even months. The requirement for full sunlight varies among different perennial species, as many can thrive in partial shade. Lastly, the idea that they live for a single season contradicts the very definition of perennials, which emphasizes their longevity and recurring growth.