How dese an annual grow bigger year after year when it shrivel every winter above ground level?

Question

I planted ferns, hostas this spring. They have all gone dormant by now. How do they grow bigger next spring if whatever they've manged to achieve so far had shriveled?

Answer 1

The plants you are referring to are perennials, which are plants that come up each year. Annuals die after one season. A perennial's roots continue to thrive and multiply underground, drawing nutrients and moisture from the soil, even though the crown of the plant has withered.

The nice thing about hostas and ferns is that you can divide your plants in the spring and have more plants if you desire

Answer 2

If you dug a perennial such as a hosta up and took a look, you would see next year's growth points (buds or eyes) already formed and waiting for spring. And if it grew well this year, it will be bigger next year. In a few years it will be big enough to divide and share with your friends.

Answer 3

It's part of these plants life cycle to die back for the winter and return in the spring. They grow larger as the underground root system of the plant grows larger year by year. You may want to consider marking thier locations so you don't dig them up as you are preparing your garden next spring!
Happy Gardening!

Answer 4

That is the miracle to mother nature just like when a big dear looses his antlers the next year they come back bigger it is just like every other living thing

Answer 5

The roots are still alive and well underground.