11 Beautiful Flowers That Bloom in May (2024)

Gardening

Flowers

• 01 of 11

  Allium (Allium Species and Hybrids)

  

  The large-flowered alliumstypically bloom from May to June. These ornamental members of the onion family are grown for their beauty rather than their flavor. In colder climates, the bulbs are planted in the fall while warmer zones can plant them in the spring.

  Their only drawback is the foliage can sometimes start to yellow before the flowers have finished blooming, so be sure to interplant the bulbs with plants that will camouflage their yellowing foliage.Otherwise, deer-resistant alliums are fairly low-maintenance, though they will require regular watering while in flower.

  • USDA Growing Zones:4 to 11 (depends on cultivar)
  • Color Varieties:Typically shades of purple, pink, or white
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs:Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining

• 02 of 11

  Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Species and Hybrids)

  

  Some flowers go in and out of style, butbleeding heart has stood the test of time.Bleeding heart is a fairly substantial plant growing to about two to three feet tall with a similar spread. Its puffy, heart-shaped blooms arrive from April to May, dangling off arching stems.

  The old-fashioned bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) typically goes dormant after blooming and its foliage disappears. This is normal behavior, so don't think you killed the plant. The fringed-leaf varieties (Dicentra eximia) are evergreen, and they can repeat bloom throughout the summer and gradually self-seed.

  Keep these plants well watered throughout the summer, but make sure they’re not sitting in soggy soil. No pruning or deadheading is necessary.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 9
  • Color Varieties: Pink, red, white
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs:Average, medium moisture, well-draining

• 03 of 11

  Brunnera (Brunnera Macrophylla)

  

  Some gardeners complain that their gardens don't have enough sun fora flower garden. But there are advantages to working in a shade garden, including the respite from the hot sun and the delicate-looking plantsthat grow there.

  One of the loveliest is Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian bugloss, heartleaf brunnera, or false forget-me-nots. In mid- to late spring, the plants send up sprays of brilliant blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots, though a bit more vivid in color.

  Make sure to keep the soil moist, especially for new plants. Brunnera plants usually don’t require fertilizer unless the soil is poor and infertile.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties:Blue
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-draining

• 04 of 11

  Columbine (Aquilegia x Hybrida)

  

  Native columbine(Aquilegia canadensis), with its nectar-rich flowers, seems to be disappearing from gardens. That's a shame because it's a beautiful plant that tends to attract many pollinators, including hummingbirds. In its place has come a series of hybrids, each a more intriguing color than the last.

  These are deceptively delicate-looking plants. They can handle all kinds of weather and will gladly seed themselves around the garden. Their flowers tend to bloom from April to May.

  Keep new plants consistently moist, but then you can cut back on watering only during dry spells. Fertilize monthly to encourage vibrant foliage and flowers.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 9
  • Color Varieties:Pink, yellow, cream, lavender, red, purple, white
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs:Rich, moist, well-draining

  Continue to 5 of 11 below

  See Also

  Spring Beauty—A Woodland Wildflower With Tasty Tubers - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

• 05 of 11

  Geranium (Geranium Species and Hybrids)

  

  Many of us hear"geranium" and think of the free-blooming red plants that often decoratewindow boxes. While great plants, these are not geraniums but of the genus Pelargonium. The geraniums referred to hereare the genus of true hardy geraniums.

  They start blooming in late spring, and many of the new varieties, such as the 'Rozanne' hybrid, will keep blooming until the first frost. These are low-growing, mounding plants that like to spread and intermingle with neighboring foliage, giving a garden a sense of maturity.

  This is a low-maintenance plant that you typically only have to water during a dry spell. Perennial geraniums can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties:Pink, purple, lavender, red, white
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs:Average, medium moisture, well-draining

• 06 of 11

  Hellebores (Helleborus Species and Hybrids)

  

  Hellebores can be a bit expensive but their evergreen foliage and early pollen source for bees makes them a good investment. If you purchase three to five small plants, they will establish larger colonies fairly quickly through self-seeding. It is worth the wait for these beautiful blooms.

  Typically blooming in April or earlier, the blooms start off facing the ground. This makes them "belly plants" because you have to get down low to see them. But save your knees the trouble, and be patient.

  Once aplant grows to its 12- to 18-inch height, you'll be able to enjoy the bloomswhile standing.These plants like some moisture, but don’t let them sit in water. Add fertilizer when you plant them, as well as in the spring and early fall for established plants.

  • USDA Growing Zones:4 to 9
  • Color Varieties:Pink, purple, white, cream, yellow, maroon
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs:Rich, humusy, well-draining

• 07 of 11

  Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium Caeruleum and Cultivars)

  

  It's hard not to appreciate Jacob's Ladder blooms and its fern-like pinnate foliage. Blooming in April to May, the plants hold their flower stalks high above the ladder-like foliage.

  The most common varieties bloom in shades of purple or purplish-blue, but some cultivars comein white, pink, and yellow. These alternative colors are often difficult to find, and the plants might not be as hardy.

  Cutting back the plant after it blooms can encourage reblooming in late summer.Maintain medium moisture levels with regular watering to prolong blooming. Add a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and when flowers have faded.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties: Usually shades of blue, purple
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs:Average, medium moisture, well-draining

• 08 of 11

  Lilac (Syringa Species)

  

  If you're in the vicinity oflilacs, you'll know by their lovely fragrance. Lilacs are long-lived shrubs that are relatively low maintenance in the garden. They typically bloom for several weeks in April to May.

  Removing the flowers shortly after they are done blooming will allow the plant to put its energy into growing strong roots and healthy top growth. This also allows the plant to set even more blooms for the following year.

  Keep lilacs moderately moist, but don’t overwater them as this can lead to poor blooms. Lilac bushes can benefit from a dose of fertilizer in the spring, if the soil isn’t too high in nitrogen.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 7
  • Color Varieties:Purple, pink, white, yellow
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • Soil Needs:Average, medium moisture, well-draining

  Continue to 9 of 11 below

• 09 of 11

  Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis)

  

  Gardeners tend to love or hate lily of the valley. The plant forms a dense mat of wandering roots and is considered invasive in some parts of the United States. But that trait also makes lily of the valley a good choice for spots where you want a ground cover that will prevent soil erosion.

  And then there's its heavenly scent. For such a tiny, low-growing flower, the fragrance can permeate the air. The plant typically blooms in April.Water your plants whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every three months during the growing season.

  • USDA Growing Zones:3 to 8
  • Color Varieties:White, pink
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs:Rich, moist, well-draining

• 10 of 11

  Pansy (Viola × Wittrockiana)

  

  Pansies and other violas are beloved for their bright, cheerful colors. They typically bloom from April to June. Pansies can handle light frosts and chilly winds in spring and fall.

  Older varieties tend to fade away in summer's heat, but they might perk up again in the fall. Modern introductions are better able to handle the heat.Regular watering can help to extend the blooming period. Pansies appreciate some fertilizer, but too much can make them leggy.

  • USDA Growing Zones:6 to 10
  • Color Varieties:Pink, purple, red, white, yellow, blue,apricot, orange, maroon; solid and bi-color
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to part shade
  • Soil Needs:Humusy, moist, well-draining

• 11 of 11

  Primrose (Primula Species)

  

  Primrosesflower in brilliant shades of pink, purple, yellow, and more. The flowers typically appearin early to mid-spring, but they remain in bloom for six weeks or longer. Most primroses will happily self-sow throughout your garden, though not to the point of being invasive.

  If you plant more than one color flower, expect some cross-pollination and surprising colors the following season. For the most part, the primroses you find for sale will be the modern hybrids (Primula x polyantha).

  Primroses are generally low-maintenance plants. Make sure they receive regular watering during the warmer months as well as some shade during the hottest part of the day.

  • USDA Growing Zones:4 to 8
  • Color Varieties:Pink, purple, white, yellow, blue, orange, red
  • Sun Exposure:Part shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs:Rich, medium moisture, well-draining