I think when many of put a new tree or bush in the ground, we think it will be around forever. Maybe I just think that way, but its simply not true. Like most living things, all must come to an end some day. And plant life, just like animal life can drastically change depending on the species or cultivar.
Some plants only live for two years such as bi-annuals like my Kale plants. Though we are focusing on perennials today as they tend to live much longer.
I started googling life expectancy for many of the plants I own and was quite surprised by what I found.
The shortest lifespan of my perennials appear to be my Strawberries, 5-6 years tops for those little plants.
The longest lifespan in my garden are probably my Rhododendron or Black Tartarian Cherry tree which can live for hundreds of years.
Lets take a look at some others in between the short life of the Strawberries and the long life of my Rhododendrons:
Cherry trees
Depending on if they are red or black Cherry trees. If red they will live for between 16-20 years. Black Cherry trees can live up to 250 years.
Bush Cherry trees
50 years or more.
Apple trees
Dwarf and Semi dwarf's may only live for 15-25 years, but standard Apple trees should live for over 50 years.
Raspberry bushes
Red Raspberry plants can have a lifespan of 10-15 years while Black Raspberry plants will live for 5-10 years.
Highbush Blueberries
The taller variety of this fruit producing bush will leave for 50 years or more.
Thornless Blackberry vines
15 years
Various Ferns
Up to 100 years
Peach trees
Around 12 years
Mountain Laurels
Around 75 years
Leatherleaf Mahonia (Oregon Grapes)
Between 20-50 years.
Azaleas
Up to 50 years with proper care.
Strawberries
5-6 years
Asparagus
10 years
Goji Berry bushes
Around 30 to 50 years
Rose bushes
About 15 years
Comfrey
20 or more years
Yaupon Holly
50 to 75 years
Nellie Stevens Holly
100 years
Upon looking up all these plants I have, I really thought most of them would outlive me. Well I am quite wrong, though I doubt I will be at this property long enough to see many of them finally perish.
The oldest trees I have on my property are probably some pine trees or maybe a hardwood or two. Probably well over 100 years old, they were here before I moved and already over 75 feet tall I am sure. As for my oldest plant I put in the ground, that would probably be my Peach tree which is close to 10 years old now and it may not have much longer to live if they only live for about 12 years.
If you have a really old plant I would love for you to comment about it in this post.