5 Perennials to Plant in May for Summer Splendor

May is a fantastic time to enhance flower beds and containers for bright summer displays. While growing from seed is always an option, adding established perennial plants to your garden this month gives you immediate impact and years of enjoyment to follow.

For those looking to develop stunning flower beds rich in color and teeming with wildlife, here are five excellent perennials to plant in May for your summer garden.

1. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower, or Echinacea, is a North American native with distinctive daisy-like blooms and prominent central cones. They flower from mid-summer to early fall in colors ranging from pink and purple to white and orange.

Plant coneflowers in a sunny location with well-draining soil, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, coneflowers need little attention and are remarkably drought-tolerant.

These striking perennials are incredibly low-maintenance and provide excellent food sources for bees, butterflies, and birds in the garden. The dried seed heads also add winter interest if left standing in the garden.

2. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender, with its distinctive fragrance, not only creates beautiful purple flower spikes but also brings a wonderful scent to the summer garden. This aromatic perennial herb is both ornamental and highly useful.

Choose a site with full sun and well-draining soil, and lavender will not tolerate wet feet. When planting, space bushes 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water deeply but infrequently to establish, then reduce watering as lavender is extremely drought-tolerant once settled in.

Lavender is perfect for dry gardens and low-maintenance landscaping. The fragrant blooms can be harvested for dried arrangements, sachets, or culinary uses, making this a truly versatile addition to any garden.

3. Penstemon

Penstemon, or beardtongue, offers elegant tubular flowers on tall stems in a wide range of colors from white and pink to purple and red. This North American native adds vertical interest to borders and provides weeks of summer color.

Plant penstemons in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart and water thoroughly after planting. Once established, they tolerate drought conditions well and require minimal maintenance.

The tubular blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees, making penstemon an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Many wide varieties bloom from early summer all the way through fall, especially if deadheaded regularly.

4. Dianthus

Dianthus, which includes garden pinks and carnations, offers charming fringed flowers often with a spicy clove fragrance. These compact perennials provide months of color at the front of borders or in containers.

Plant dianthus in full sun and very well-draining soil – they absolutely cannot tolerate wet conditions, especially in winter. Space plants 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water newly planted dianthus thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings.

The neat, often blue-gray foliage forms attractive mounds that look good even when not in bloom. Many varieties will flower again in late summer if the spent blooms are removed promptly after the first flush in early summer.

5. Salvia

Salvia is a robust perennial with upright flower clusters in tones of blue, purple, red, or pink. Their aromatic foliage and excellent drought tolerance make them perfect for low-maintenance summer gardens.

Plant salvias in full sun and well-draining soil, spacing them 12-24 inches apart depending on the variety. Water thoroughly after planting but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Salvias are extremely drought-resistant once established and will reward minimal care with months of blooms.

The nectar-rich flowers are magnets for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds and butterflies. For extended flowering, cut back the first flush of blooms by about one-third after they fade to encourage a second show later in the season.

Conclusion

All five perennials to plant in May attract beneficial wildlife, adding vibrancy to your summer garden while providing rich color and texture. With minimal care, these plants will establish quickly when planted in May and reward you with dazzling flowering displays year after year.

Visit Nursery Plant this month to find these beautiful perennials and transform your garden into a summerlong celebration of color.

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