If you want to create a garden that blossoms from early spring to October, you shouldn’t start designing in May. Getting a head start on the appropriate plants in early spring makes all the difference — and our guide to Flowers to Plant in April leads you through the finest types to plant the month before, from pansies and primroses to early-season bulbs. An April planting list combined with a strong lineup of May perennials creates a continuous wave of color that keeps your garden looking full and alive for months.
May is the gardener’s favorite month since the soil is warm, frost is (almost) gone, and every trip to the nursery seems like a new beginning. Perennials to plant in May are the finest investment if you want a garden that rewards you season after season without having to start again. Whether you want beautiful blooms, pollinator-friendly plants, or lush foliage, selecting the appropriate perennials to plant in May may convert your outdoor area into a thriving oasis.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best perennials to plant in May, including why May is the magic month and how to make sure their success.
Why May is the perfect month to plant perennials
May finds a gardening sweet spot that few other months can equal. Soil temperatures have risen over 50°F in most areas, providing the warmth roots require to sprout swiftly. Rainfall is still predictable in many regions, decreasing your watering needs. With a full growth season ahead, plants have plenty of time to establish robust root systems before their first winter.
Planting perennials in May also means that many types will bloom this season, rather than waiting a full year.
10 best perennials to plant in May
1. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are highly indestructible. Their bright pink, purple, or white daisy-like flowers occur from July to fall, attracting butterflies and goldfinches. Plant in full sun, water till established, and then basically forget about them. They’re also drought-tolerant once grown, which is great news for busy gardeners.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Few plants provide as much sensual satisfaction as lavender. Its silver-green leaves and fragrant purple spikes bloom from late spring to summer. May planting provides it the entire warm season to grow strong roots. Plant in well-drained soil with full sunlight. It’s also deer-resistant, which is ideal for many gardens.
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These golden-yellow, dark-centered flowers are associated with joyful summer gardens. They self-seed readily, spread easily, and can withstand poor soil. Plant these in May, and they’ll be flowering by late June or July. Combine them with blue salvia to create a striking color contrast.
4. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Hardy salvia produces thick spikes of violet-blue blooms, which hummingbirds like. It blooms profusely in early summer and often reblooms after deadheading spent flowers. It is heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and requires little maintenance beyond the first season.
5. Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are among the most forgiving perennials you can plant. They grow in virtually any soil, tolerate partial shade, and bloom in a spectacular display of trumpet-shaped blooms in yellow, orange, red, and pink. Plant divisions in May, and you’ll probably see blooms by summertime.
6. Hostas
If your garden has shaded areas, hostas are the answer. Their striking, complex foliage ranges from lime green to deep blue-green to variegated, providing magnificent ground-level beauty. Cooler temperatures lessen transplant stress, making May a great month for planting. They grow in wet, well-drained soil with dappled shade.
7. Peonies (Paeonia)
Peonies are a garden legend—lush, aromatic, and stunningly gorgeous. They bloom from late spring to early summer, producing dinner-plate-sized blooms in pink, white, red, and coral. May planting with bare-root divisions works effectively in many climes. Once established, peonies can live for 50 years or more with little maintenance.
8. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is the cottage garden’s primary plant. It blooms in masses of tiny lavender-blue flowers from late spring to summer, and it recovers fast after being trimmed back. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and looks great with roses and ornamental grasses.
9. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis blooms in brilliant yellow or pink daisy-like flowers practically constantly from late spring to October. It’s one of the longest-blooming perennials, can withstand heat and drought, and is almost completely pest-free. Plant in full sun for optimal results.
10. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Low-growing sedums are ideal for sunny, arid areas where nothing else survives. Taller types, such as ‘Autumn Joy’, provide a focal point in late summer and fall with their clusters of pink-to-russet blossoms. All sedums are extremely drought-tolerant and require little maintenance.
Top tips for perennials to plant in May
- Prepare the soil first. Dig in compost before planting; most perennials repay careful soil preparation with years of superior performance.
- Water deeply while planting. Give fresh transplants a deep soak right after planting, and then water them regularly for the first several weeks until they’re established.
- Apply a good layer of mulch. During May’s unpredictable weather, a 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Don’t plant too deeply. Most perennials should be planted at the same depth as when they were in nursery pots. Too deep might result in crown rot.
Conclusion:
Choosing the correct perennials to plant in May is one of the simplest ways to create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape that will thrive year after year. From pollinator-friendly coneflowers and bee balm to shade-loving hostas and aromatic lavender, there’s a perennial for every location.
Planting in May prepares your garden for summer blossoms and good long-term development. With appropriate care, these perennials will provide you with beauty, texture, and brilliant color year after year.
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Frequently asked questions about perennials to plant in May
Q1: How many perennials should I plant together?
A1: Plant in odd-numbered clusters of three, five, or seven to maximize visual effect. Single plants might appear lonely; grouping plants creates vibrant, unified garden beds.
Q2: Are May-planted perennials deer-resistant?
A2: Several of the plants on this list, including lavender, catmint, salvia, and Russian sage, have scented leaves that make them inherently deer resistant. Deer, on the other hand, prefer hostas and daylilies.
