What happens to perennial plants during the winter?

Perennial plants typically enter a state of dormancy during the winter months rather than dying completely or continuing to grow. This dormancy allows them to conserve energy and resources while facing environmental challenges such as cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. During this time, many perennials will lose their leaves, especially those that are deciduous, but the root systems and other essential structures remain alive and intact beneath the soil. This adaptation ensures that they can survive until the warmer months return, allowing them to emerge once again in the spring. While some perennials may change appearance, such as losing their leaves, they continue to persist as living plants, ready to grow again.