Types

• Examples of woody perennials are the azalea (Rhododendron species), blueberry bush (Vaccinium species) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). Azaleas are woody perennial shrubs that come in evergreen and deciduous varieties. Blueberry bushes are a flowering woody perennial plant native to North America. The Virginia creeper is an ornamental woody vine perennial plant indigenous to Eastern North America.
  
  

Winterizing

• Woody perennials are cold-tolerant plants, but severe weather can cause damage to the plant. Signs that cold weather has shocked a woody perennial include pendulous or curling leaves. Wrapping the trunks of trees and shrubs can prevent harsh winter weather damage like cracks in the bark. Pruning woody perennials in the fall will help minimize the breakage of branches.
  
  

Uses

• Woody perennials serve as landscaping plants, privacy screens and ornamental plants. Landscapers use woody perennials to create artistically formed topiaries in many shapes and sizes. Evergreen woody perennials provide year round green foliage for gardens.