When to Plant Native Flowers in London, ON – 2026
Published: April 27, 2026
London is in Canadian Zone 6a (southwestern Ontario temperate). Last spring frost averages May 3; first fall frost October 20; the growing season runs about 170 frost-free days. Plant native flowers in London from may (after victoria day) or september..
Native Flowers Planting Window for London, ON
Plant native perennials (coneflower, black-eyed Susan, native aster) in spring or fall. Most native flowers require less water, no fertilizer, and resist local pests naturally. Region-specific natives dramatically outperform non-native plants in attracting pollinators.
For London, ON specifically, the recommended planting window is May (after Victoria Day) or September.. London has 150-170 frost-free days — adequate for most warm-season crops when transplants go in by late May. The region's rich soils support heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with minimal amendment.
Canadian native flowers are by definition adapted to your specific region's hardiness zone — Prairie natives (Zone 2-4), Eastern Canadian natives (Zone 3-6), Pacific Coast natives (Zone 7-8), Atlantic natives (Zone 5-6). Always source plants native to your specific Canadian ecoregion.
Best Native Flowers Varieties for London, ON
For London, ON (Canadian Zone 6a), choose varieties rated for your zone or one zone colder for reliable winter survival. The Canadian-bred or tested varieties below perform well in Ontario conditions.
Native to eastern and central Canada. Drought-tolerant, monarch-friendly. The most popular Canadian native perennial.
Native across most of Canada. Self-seeding biennial/short-lived perennial. Pollinator-favourite.
Native lavender-flowered mint family. Powdery mildew resistant. Strong pollinator value.
Critical Monarch butterfly host plant. Avoid imported tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) — can disrupt monarch migration. Plant native species only.
Late-summer through fall bloom. New England aster, smooth aster, sky-blue aster. Critical migration food for monarchs and bumblebees.
How to Plant Native Flowers in London
Sow method: transplant or direct. The steps below adapt the general planting advice for London, ON's climate and timing.
- →Identify your specific region (using USDA zone + Level III ecoregion) and choose plants native to that region — not just 'native to North America'.
- →Source plants from regional native plant nurseries (Prairie Moon, Native American Seed, regional Audubon chapters) — big-box stores often sell non-native cultivars.
- →Plant most native perennials in spring (after last frost) or early fall (6 weeks before first frost).
- →Choose a site that matches the plant's native habitat: prairie species in full sun, woodland species in part shade, wetland species in moist areas.
- →Skip soil amendments — native plants are adapted to your local soil. Heavy amendment with compost or fertilizer can reduce vigor.
- →Water deeply during the first growing season; once established, most natives need no supplemental irrigation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Flowers in London, ON
When can I plant native flowers in London?
Plant native flowers in London from may (after victoria day) or september. based on the city's Canadian Zone 6a. Last spring frost: May 3; first fall frost: October 20; frost-free growing season: 170 days.
What Canadian zone is London?
London is in Canadian Zone 6a (USDA equivalent 5b). The climate is southwestern ontario temperate. London has 150-170 frost-free days — adequate for most warm-season crops when transplants go in by late May. The region's rich soils support heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with minimal amendment.
Are native flowers winter-hardy in London?
Canadian native flowers are by definition adapted to your specific region's hardiness zone — Prairie natives (Zone 2-4), Eastern Canadian natives (Zone 3-6), Pacific Coast natives (Zone 7-8), Atlantic natives (Zone 5-6). Always source plants native to your specific Canadian ecoregion.