Perennial flowers are the backbone of any garden, providing color and beauty year after year. Planting these hardy blooms in May allows them to establish themselves before the heat of summer, ensuring robust growth and stunning displays. In this article, we’ll explore seven perennial flowers that are perfect for planting in May, offering you a garden that will flourish with vibrant blooms for years to come.
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans are cheerful, golden-yellow flowers with dark brown centers that can thrive in U.S. hardiness zones 3 to 11. Despite often being considered annuals, they can behave like perennials under the right conditions. These flowers are incredibly resilient, requiring minimal care once established. Plant them in a sunny spot, and they will reward you with a long blooming period from summer into fall. Their bright, daisy-like flowers not only add a splash of color to your garden but also attract butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing the ecological health of your outdoor space.
Columbine
Columbine, known scientifically as Aquilegia, is a spring-blooming perennial that brings a delicate charm to gardens. Available in nearly every hue, these flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators. Columbines thrive in sunny locations but can also do well in partial shade. Their unique, nodding blooms with spurred petals add a whimsical touch to any garden. These flowers are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add a burst of spring color to their yards.
Delphinium
Delphiniums are tall, dramatic perennials that command attention with their striking summer blooms. They are perfect for adding vertical interest to flower beds and borders. Delphiniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are often available at nurseries and garden stores in the spring. These flowers can also be grown from seed, though they require staking due to their height. With their towering spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, delphiniums make a bold statement and provide a beautiful backdrop for other garden plants.
Foxglove
Foxgloves, or Digitalis, are elegant perennials known for their tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers that bloom from spring through summer. These statuesque plants add height and drama to garden beds and borders. Foxgloves thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer well-drained soil. It’s important to note that foxgloves are toxic to dogs, so they should be planted with care if you have pets. Their striking flowers attract bees, making them a valuable addition to gardens aiming to support pollinator populations while offering stunning visual appeal.
Lupines
Lupines are colorful, cottage-garden favorites that bloom in late spring and early summer. Their vibrant flower spikes come in a variety of colors, from deep purples to bright reds and soft pinks. Lupines are excellent for attracting bees and other pollinators, helping to create a lively and healthy garden ecosystem. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and can bloom for months, providing a long-lasting display of color. Lupines’ tall flower spikes make them perfect for adding height and visual interest to garden borders.
Salvia
Salvia is a versatile perennial known for its long blooming period. These flowers can last from midsummer until the first frosts, offering continuous color in shades of purple, pink, white, and more. Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established. The extended blooming period of salvia makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to maintain vibrant, colorful flower beds throughout the growing season. Additionally, salvia attracts pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Verbena
Verbena is a hardy perennial that comes in many varieties, suitable for U.S. hardiness zones 8 to 11. Once the threat of frost has passed in May, verbena can be planted in garden beds where it will return year after year. Known for its ability to bloom for an extended period, verbena produces clusters of small, vibrant flowers in colors such as purple, pink, and red. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them an easy and rewarding choice for gardeners looking to add consistent color and attract pollinators to their gardens.
