The right plants for your landscaping project in Southern Ontario do more than look good. With our region’s distinct microclimates, clay-heavy soils, and freeze-thaw cycles, plant selection should be strategic—blending beauty, function, and resilience.
At Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care, we help homeowners choose plant varieties that thrive in the GTA and surrounding areas. Here, we list species that will do well from Etobicoke to Rosedale to Richmond Hill.
How to Choose Plants That Work for Your Property
Before planting, consider your site’s specific soil conditions:
- Soil type – Clay is common in Southern Ontario; some species tolerate it better.
- Sunlight – Observe full-sun, partial-shade, and deep-shade zones.
- Moisture – Is your garden dry, damp, or somewhere in between?
- Maintenance – Do you want low-maintenance perennials or seasonal showpieces?
What Do You Want From Your Landscape?
Think of plants as tools in your design. What do you want them to do?
- Add year-round privacy?
- Provide vibrant colour or fragrance?
- Attract birds, butterflies, and pollinators?
- Frame a patio, pool, or front entry with structure?
The more defined your goals, the better your plant palette.
Top Plants for Southern Ontario Landscaping
Poolside-Friendly Plants (Low Shedding, Heat Tolerant)
Pool areas require clean, non-invasive plants that handle heat and humidity. If you are looking for plants to add to the landscape around your pool but don’t want the added hassle of leaves littering your water, these have you covered:
- Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) – Hardy perennials with colourful blooms. Very tolerant of sun and dry soil.
- Miscanthus Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) – Clumping ornamental grass that adds texture without mess.
- Agastache (Agastache foeniculum) – A fragrant, pollinator-attracting plant that thrives in sunny, dry areas.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Silver foliage, purple blooms, drought-resistant, and non-shedding.
Bold Shrubs for Colour and Structure
Large, colourful shrubs can add beauty and depth to your landscape. Consider planting these shrubs to create layers, contrast, and all-season interest.
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’) – Big blooms, shade-tolerant, thrives in GTA soils.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – Native, colourful foliage, and low-maintenance.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) – Native, multi-season interest: white flowers, edible berries, and fall colour.
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) – Loves acidic soils. Ideal in woodland-style gardens.
Plants That Add Privacy
Living screens offer beauty, noise buffering, and year-round structure. Consider these species for a beautiful and functional natural fence:
- Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) – A local favourite for formal hedges or natural fences.
- Yew (Taxus canadensis or Taxus x media) – Slow-growing but dense, shade-tolerant, and sculptable.
- European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) – Holds copper leaves into winter. Excellent for elegant hedging.
- Black Spruce (Picea mariana) – For larger properties, this native evergreen handles wet or clay-heavy soils.
Design Smart Spaces with Southern Ontario’s Leading Landscaper
Southern Ontario’s climate can be challenging, but it also supports an incredible range of native and hardy ornamental plants.
At Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care, we specialize in designing landscapes that look great and grow beautifully year after year. When you’re ready to add to your landscape, contact us and we will help you make the right choices.
