Whether you are looking to add colour to a wetland area, help deter soil erosion, or provide habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and amphibians, these are a few suggestions to consider. All are zone-friendly for our Muskoka area. Several grow well in clay and sandy soils, and many are deer resistant as well.
1) Canada Anemone
A hardy perennial ground cover that produces white, buttercup-like flowers in spring. Grows to approximately 1 foot tall and is hardy in Zones 3–7.
This plant can spread quite aggressively, making it well suited for naturalized wetland areas.
2) Cardinal Flower
A native Ontario perennial known for its intense scarlet-red flower spikes that bloom from July through September. Plants grow 3–4 feet tall and attract bees and butterflies.
Hardy in Zones 3–7.
3) Liatris (Blazing Star)
Adaptable to many cold and warm climates, this perennial requires full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Produces beautiful, long-blooming white or purple flower spikes.
Hardy in Zones 3–9.
4) Swamp Milkweed ‘Cinderella’
A hardy, upright perennial growing 3–4 feet tall with fragrant, shell-pink, vanilla-scented flower clusters. Non-invasive and deer resistant.
Prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in Zones 3–9.
5) Marshmallow Plant
A native perennial commonly found along riverbanks and marshes. Prefers moist, sandy soils and grows up to 5 feet tall, producing beautiful 1–2 inch white to light pink flowers.
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in Zones 3–9.
6) Balloon Flower
A clump-forming perennial and member of the easy-to-grow bellflower family. Features puffy, balloon-like buds that open into 2–3 inch star-shaped blue-violet flowers.
Prefers rich soil, full sun, and temperatures between 60–80°F.
7) White Turtlehead
A hardy, upright, clump-forming perennial native to North America. Tubular flowers resembling turtle heads bloom in late summer through fall.
Plants grow 2–3 feet tall and are hardy in Zones 3–8.
8) Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
A perennial native to Ontario, commonly found in moist, sunny areas such as ditches, meadows, and shorelines. Ideal for rain gardens.
Blooms from July to September with rose-purple flowers and distinctive purple-spotted stems that attract pollinators. Hardy in Zones 3–8.
9) Golden Queen
A perennial that produces 2–3 inch wide golden-orange, bowl-shaped flowers from late spring into mid-summer, resembling double buttercups.
Thrives in moist, boggy, or clay soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardy in Zones 3–7.
10) Marsh Marigold
A vibrant, native yellow-flowering perennial found throughout Ontario. Blooms early in spring (April–May).
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers boggy soils, marshes, and stream edges. Grows 8–24 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 2–7.
11) Meadow Wheatgrass (Queen of the Prairie)
A hardy grass that prefers full sun and provides essential food and cover for wildlife, birds, and insects. Known for its ability to withstand both cold and drought, making it ideal for meadow restoration.
Prefers well-drained, loamy, moderately moist soils. Hardy in Zones 3–8.
12) Dappled Willow (Variegated Japanese Willow)
A fast-growing deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Requires hard pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain its bright foliage colours.
Red stems add winter interest. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil and grows 6–10 feet tall. Hardy in Zones 4–9.
13) Red Osier Dogwood
A native shrub featuring fiery red stems, white blooms, and bird-friendly berries. Tolerates a wide range of soils from sandy to clay but prefers rich, consistently moist or average soils.
Prune old or dead branches in spring to encourage fresh growth. Mature height is approximately 9 feet. Hardy in Zones 2–7.
