Top 10 Beginner Perennials for Eastern Ontario

Perennials are an important part of the Canadian gardening experience as they offer reliability and resilience in a climate known all too well for long winters and unpredictable weather. These hardy plants return year after year, helping new gardeners build confidence without the pressure of replanting each spring. Many beginner-friendly perennials are well adapted to Canadian growing zones, tolerating cold temperatures and short growing seasons while still providing colour, texture, and structure. By starting with perennials, Canadian gardeners can create sustainable, low-maintenance gardens that evolve and improve over time, reflecting both patience and the seasonal rhythm of the landscape.

Here are a few winners that we recommend:

1. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Foliage stars for shady spots — available in greens, blues, and variegated forms. They define shady borders beautifully.

Care: Partial to full shade; consistent moisture.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9

2. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Classic summer bloomers in a rainbow of colors that flourish with minimal fuss. Tough and adaptable to many soils, they’re almost impossible to kill once established.

Care: Full sun to part shade; remove spent blooms to tidy.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)

Bright golden blooms from mid-summer into fall attract butterflies and bees and are exceptionally easy to grow.

Care: Full sun; deadhead for longer bloom.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9

4. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

Striking foliage in rich colors (burgundy, lime, silver) with delicate spring flowers. Great for edging or shade gardens.

Care: Part shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Zones 4–9

5. Astilbe

Feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, and white; thrives in part shade and moist soils — ideal for shady spots needing texture.

Care: Partial shade; keep soil evenly moist.
Hardiness: Zones 4–9

6. Garden Phlox

Clusters of colourful blooms that perfume the garden and bloom mid-summer into fall. Great for pollinators.

Care: Full sun; consistent moisture and good air flow.
Hardiness: Zones 4–8.

7. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)

Long-blooming, daisy-like flowers in fiery reds and yellows; excellent for sunny, dry spots and continuous color.

Care: Full sun; adaptable to poor soils.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9.

8. Sedum (“Stonecrop”)

Succulent foliage and late-season blooms that butterflies adore. Extremely drought tolerant and great for sunny beds or rock gardens.

Care: Full sun; little watering once established.
Hardiness: Zones 4–8.

9. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

Long-blooming, pollinator-friendly, daisy-like flowers in purples, pinks, and whites. Once established, they’re drought tolerant and reliable.

Care: Full sun, average, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9.

10. Yarrow (Achillea spp.)

Flat-topped flower clusters in golds, reds, pinks, and whites that are extremely drought tolerant and long blooming.

Care: Full sun; poor soil tolerated.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9.