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Planting Ideas for May Flowers

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Get inspired with this guide to the best May flowers! Discover colorful blooms and design ideas for your garden that will bloom in the month of May.

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Lilacs Lilacs are beloved for their fragrant clusters of flowers, which  bloom primarily in spring. Suited to hardiness zones 3 through 7, these  deciduous shrubs thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a  neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

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Roses Roses, the quintessential symbol of love, begin their prolific blooming season  in May. From classic red to soft pastels and vibrant yellows, roses add  a touch of timeless charm to any garden. 

Peonies Peonies take center stage with their massive, romantic blossoms. They are a popular choice for gardeners due to their lush, full  blooms and easy care. They thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 8 and  prefer well-drained, fertile soil with full sun to light shade.

Bleeding Hearts For a touch of whimsy, bleeding hearts steal the show with their  unique heart-shaped, pendant flowers in shades of pink and white. They thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 9, preferring shady  spots and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Bearded Iris Bearded irises stand tall, showcasing their vibrant petals in a rainbow of colors,  from classic purple and yellow to striking bi-colored combinations. They are hardy in zones 3 through 10. These perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil, thriving particularly well in slightly alkaline conditions.

False Indigo False indigo adds a touch of drama to the late spring garden with its tall spikes of purple flowers. Baptisia is a hardy perennial that flourishes in hardiness zones 3 through 9. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil, tolerating poor soil conditions once established.

Alliums These ornamental onions offer unique spherical flower heads in shades of  purple and white, adding a touch of sculptural interest to the border. Alliums thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 9. They prefer full sun and  well-drained soil, flourishing particularly well in sandy soils.

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Follow along to learn more May planting ideas.

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Learn my easy care approach to growing flowers no matter what size garden you have.