Outdoor Plants

Compare an Olive Tree for silvery foliage, Calamondin Orange for a citrus tree, or tropical Hibiscus for flowers. These appreciate strong light, but a plant grown indoors still needs gradual adjustment to outdoor sun. Allow for the pot's weight, mature growth and winter storage before choosing.

A Cat Palm can bring softer, arching greenery, while Bird of Paradise offers larger, bolder leaves in a bright position. Shelter broad foliage from strong wind and check each plant's light needs. Outdoor shade can be bright, but a deeply shaded corner is not equally suitable for every plant.

Citrus, tropical Hibiscus, Bird of Paradise and many palms can make seasonal patio displays, but need a suitable indoor space before cold weather. Choose them with both summer conditions and winter storage in mind; an outdoor collection label does not establish hardiness.

If you want a plant to stay outside through a Toronto winter, check the exact species and cultivar against local conditions. A container exposes roots to more freezing than planting in the ground, so even a hardy plant may need extra protection. Do not assume a sheltered balcony makes a tropical plant winter-hardy.

Wait for weather warm enough for that plant, then start in a sheltered, shaded position. Gradually increase exposure over several days rather than moving directly from indoors into strong sun or wind. Watch for scorching and drying soil. Before bringing it back inside, inspect the leaves, stems and pot for pests.

Check regularly: sun, wind and small pots can dry the mix faster, while rain or cool weather can keep it wet. Follow the plant's preferred drying level instead of a fixed schedule. Use pots with drainage holes, water the root ball thoroughly when needed, and empty standing water from saucers. Succulents and moisture-loving plants need different routines.