Southern Ontario is a gardener’s paradise, with its rich soil, four distinct seasons, and a mix of sun and shade conditions. Whether you're looking for perennial flowers that return year after year or annual flowers that provide vibrant color for a single season, there are plenty of options that thrive in this region.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best perennial and annual flowers for both sunny and shady spots, how to care for them, and the key differences between the two types. Plus, we’ll highlight flower seeds you can purchase from Van Beek’s to get started on your dream garden!

Understanding Southern Ontario’s Climate

Gardening in Southern Ontario comes with unique challenges and rewards. Here’s what you need to know before selecting flowers:

🌱 Growing Zone: Most of Southern Ontario falls within Zones 5-7, meaning winters can be cold, but summers are warm enough for a wide variety of flowers.

🌿 Frost Dates: The last frost typically occurs between late April and early May, and the first frost usually happens around October.

☀️ Sun vs. Shade: Some gardens get full sun (6+ hours daily), partial sun/shade (4-6 hours), or full shade (less than 4 hours). Choosing flowers that match these conditions ensures healthy growth.

Perennial vs. Annual Flowers: What’s the Difference?

Perennial Flowers Meaning: What Are Perennials?

Perennial flowers are plants that return year after year, surviving winter dormancy and blooming each season. These flowers are a great low-maintenance option since you don’t have to replant them annually.

Examples: Black-Eyed Susans, Hostas, Coneflowers

Define Annual Flowers: What Are Annuals?

Annual flowers complete their life cycle in one growing season. They provide bright, long-lasting blooms and can be replanted yearly for fresh colour.

Examples: Marigolds, Petunias, Zinnias

Perennial Flowers vs. Annual Flowers: Which Should You Choose?

• If you want long-term blooms with little replanting, go for perennials.
• If you want seasonal colour with flexibility, annuals are a great choice.
• Many gardeners mix both for the best of both worlds!

Best Perennial Flowers for Southern Ontario

Perennials are a gardener’s best friend if you’re looking for low-maintenance, long-term blooms that return year after year. Whether you need flowers for a sunny or shady spot, there’s a perfect perennial for your Ontario garden.

Perennial Flowers for Shade

Shade gardens can be tricky, but these perennials will thrive with minimal sunlight:

Hostas – One of the most popular shade perennials, hostas have lush green, blue, or variegated leaves and produce delicate flowers in summer. They require minimal care and add texture to shady gardens.

Astilbes – If you want pops of colour in a shady garden, astilbes are a great choice. These feathery, pink, red, or white flowers bloom in early summer and are deer-resistant.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) – Known for its heart-shaped pink and white flowers, this plant adds romantic charm to any garden. It thrives in partial to full shade and pairs beautifully with ferns.

Foxglove (Digitalis) – A tall, striking plant with tubular flowers, foxglove loves partial shade. It’s great for attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) – An underused shade-loving perennial, lungwort has spotted leaves and stunning blue, pink, or purple flowers. It’s disease-resistant and adds colour early in the season.

Perennial Flowers for Full Sun

If you have a sun-soaked garden, these perennials will thrive with 6+ hours of direct sunlight:

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – A hardy, drought-resistant flower, coneflowers bloom in summer and attract butterflies and bees. Their purple, pink, or white daisy-like flowers last well into fall.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) – These cheerful yellow flowers thrive in full sun and bloom from summer to early fall, offering long-lasting colour. They are heat-tolerant and easy to grow.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) – Vibrant and low-maintenance, daylilies come in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. They are drought-tolerant and bloom for weeks, making them a staple in Ontario gardens.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – A fantastic low-maintenance perennial, Russian sage boasts lavender-coloured flowers and silvery foliage, adding a Mediterranean touch to gardens.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Fragrant and drought-tolerant, lavender thrives in well-draining soil. It attracts pollinators and can be used for aromatherapy, cooking, and dried flower arrangements.

Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers for Ontario Gardens

If you want perennials that require little attention, consider:

Sedum (Stonecrop) – A succulent-like perennial that thrives in poor soil and drought conditions. It produces starry pink or yellow flowers that last into fall.

Peonies – Though they bloom only in late spring, peonies return every year for decades and require minimal care. Their large, fragrant flowers are a showstopper.

Yarrow (Achillea) – Yarrow is heat and drought-resistant with clusters of yellow, red, or pink flowers that attract butterflies.

Best Annual Flowers for Southern Ontario

Annuals provide seasonal colour, giving your garden a fresh look each year. They bloom continuously from spring to fall, making them an excellent choice for borders, hanging baskets, and planters.

Bright & Bold Annuals for Full Sun

These heat-tolerant flowers thrive in direct sun:

Zinnias – One of the longest-blooming annuals, Zinnias provide bright colours, attract butterflies, and are great for cutting gardens.

Marigolds – These easy-to-grow flowers repel pests and bloom from spring to frost.

Sunflowers – A favorite for attracting pollinators, sunflowers add height and beauty to gardens.

Shade-Loving Annuals

For low-light areas, try:

Impatiens – A reliable shade-loving flower that provides colour all summer.

Pansies & Violas – Perfect for cooler temperatures and partial shade.

Sweet Peas – Fragrant and great for trellises.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Flowers in Southern Ontario

🌱 Start with the Right Soil – Use GardenPro Soil for rich nutrients and healthy root growth.

💩 Add Organic Matter – Improve soil fertility with Manure to boost plant health.

🌿 Mulch for Moisture Retention – Mulch helps retain water, suppress weeds, and insulate roots during winter.

• Perennials: Water deeply 1-2 times per week.
• Annuals: Water daily in hot weather (especially in containers).

• Full sun plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Shade plants thrive with filtered or dappled light.

✂️ Deadhead and Prune – Removing spent flowers encourages more blooms. Trim perennials in fall or early spring to keep them tidy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers in Southern Ontario

Gardening can be overwhelming, especially when choosing the right flowers for your Southern Ontario garden. Below are detailed answers to some of the most common questions about annuals, perennials, planting times, and flower care.