Sempervirens
/sem-per-VY-renz/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
An epithet meaning the plant keeps its foliage throughout the year rather than dropping leaves in autumn. It is one of the most informative epithets for gardeners, immediately signaling year-round screening value, winter interest, and structural permanence in the landscape.
Etymology
From Latin semper (always, ever) + virens (being green), present participle of virere (to be green).
Example
“Buxus sempervirens (common box) and Lonicera sempervirens (trumpet honeysuckle) both retain their foliage through winter, living up to the always-green promise of their epithet.”