Just because it’s May doesn’t mean it’s too late for a colorful, blooming garden! Many flower bulbs can still be planted now and reward you with vibrant summer blooms, while others will bide their time and wait until next year to put on a show.
In this article, we highlight 12 bulbs you can plant in May for stunning flowers this summer, along with 6 bulbs that need a longer timeline before they burst into bloom. Knowing the difference will help you plan a garden that’s both immediate and long-lasting.
Plant smart this month and enjoy a season full of color, beauty, and fresh garden energy!
Dahlia
Dahlias might be the dramatic flair your garden needs, with their bold and vibrant blooms. These summer stalwarts come in a captivating range of colors and forms, adding an artistic touch to any space.
Best planted in well-drained soil, they reward with delightful blossoms that stand tall and proud. Preparing for their arrival, ensure to water them regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Adding compost can enhance their growth, making them a gardener’s summer favorite. Their versatility in the garden landscape makes them a popular choice for avid gardeners.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus are known for their tall spikes adorned with trumpet-like flowers. These bright blooms can reach impressive heights, creating an eye-catching vertical element in gardens.
Easily grown from corms, they prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil. By staking them, you ensure they stay upright throughout the season.
Their array of colors makes them versatile for various garden designs. With a little care, these flowers bring boldness and beauty to your summer display, making them a cherished choice for both bouquets and garden aesthetics.
Begonia
Begonias, with their waxy petals and vibrant colors, offer a delightful pop in shaded areas. Renowned for their ability to thrive in less sunny spots, they bring life to forgotten corners.
Plant them in rich, well-drained soil and keep the moisture consistent for optimal growth. Begonias adapt well to both garden beds and containers, providing flexibility in garden arrangements.
Their resilience and charm make them a favorite among gardeners looking for easy-to-care-for options. With a little attention, begonias will bloom beautifully, ensuring a colorful summer.
Canna Lily
Canna lilies showcase tropical beauty with their large, lush leaves and vibrant flowers. These striking plants are perfect for adding a hint of the exotic to your garden.
They thrive in full sun and appreciate a good soaking, making them ideal for wet areas. Planting them in rich soil helps them reach their full potential.
Cannas are not just ornamental; they provide height and drama. Their bold appearance creates a stunning focal point, capturing attention and transforming ordinary spaces into visual spectacles.
Lilies
Lilies are celebrated for their large, fragrant blooms, which are a highlight of the summer garden. With varieties like Asiatic and Oriental, they bring both color and scent.
Plant them in well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight for best results. Mulching can help retain moisture and protect their roots.
Their versatility makes them suitable for both formal and informal settings, adding a luxurious touch. As perennials, they return year after year, ensuring constant garden elegance.
Tuberose
Tuberose captivates with its sweet fragrance and charming white blooms. Often associated with traditional gardens, it adds nostalgic appeal.
This nocturnal bloomer prefers sandy, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Ensure regular watering to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Their enchanting aroma makes them ideal for cutting gardens, where their scent can be enjoyed indoors. Tuberose is beloved for its olfactory delight, making it a timeless garden addition.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia brings a fiery burst with its arching stems and vivid flowers. This bold plant stands out with its orange-red blooms, adding warmth and vitality.
Easy to grow, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Planting them in groups amplifies their impact, creating a stunning wave of color.
Crocosmias are perfect for borders and mixed plantings, offering structure and intrigue. Their vibrant display is a testament to their enduring popularity among gardeners.
Elephant Ear
Elephant ears are known for their massive, heart-shaped leaves that make a bold statement. These dramatic plants thrive in warm, humid environments.
Plant them in rich, moist soil and provide plenty of space for their large foliage. They appreciate partial shade, which helps prevent leaf scorch.
Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, elephant ears bring a touch of the exotic. Their impressive size and shape create a lush backdrop, making them a favorite for adding depth and texture.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus delights with its layered, rose-like petals and cheerful colors. These charming flowers are perfect for late spring and early summer displays.
They thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering ensures healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Ranunculus is popular for cut flower arrangements, thanks to its long vase life. Its delicate appearance belies its robust nature, making it a versatile choice for gardens and bouquets alike.
Freesia
Freesias are celebrated for their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors. These tubular flowers are a springtime favorite, often used in bouquets and arrangements.
They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. Regular watering helps maintain their lush blooms.
Their delightful scent and varied hues make freesias a garden favorite. Whether in containers or borders, they provide a joyful burst of color and fragrance.
Ixora
Ixora, often found in tropical climates, dazzles with its clusters of small, vibrant blooms. Its glossy leaves and bright colors bring a touch of the exotic.
Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, ixora can thrive in garden beds or as a potted plant. Regular watering keeps its blooms vivid and healthy.
This plant is not just about looks; it attracts butterflies, adding life to your garden. Ixora’s ability to transform spaces with color and activity is truly remarkable.
Tulips (Next Year)
Although tulips won’t bloom until next year, planting them now ensures a stunning spring display. These bulbs thrive in cool climates with well-drained soil.
Tuck them in before frost hits, and they’ll reward you with vibrant colors and distinctive shapes. Consider various tulip varieties for a diverse palette.
Their early spring emergence is a joyful sign of the season’s renewal. By planning ahead, you can enjoy their iconic beauty in your garden.
Daffodils (Next Year)
Daffodils promise vibrant blooms for the next spring when planted now. These cheerful flowers thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Carve out a space in your garden and plant them before winter sets in. Their sunny yellows and whites offer a bright welcome to the season.
Known for their resilience, daffodils return year after year. Early preparation allows you to enjoy their charming presence each spring.
Hyacinths (Next Year)
Hyacinths, with their intoxicating fragrance and dense spikes of flowers, are planted now for next spring’s delight. They thrive in cool, well-drained soil.
As you tuck them in, imagine the sweet aroma that will permeate your garden when they bloom. Their variety of colors offers a rainbow display.
Properly planting hyacinths now ensures a fragrant and colorful spring garden, rewarding your patience with their beauty.
Alliums (Next Year)
Alliums add structural intrigue with their spherical flower heads. Though they won’t bloom until next year, planting them now sets the stage for their unique appearance.
They thrive in well-drained soil, enjoying full sun. Planting them in clumps can enhance their visual impact.
These bulbs offer a striking contrast to softer floral forms, and their long-lasting nature makes them a gardener’s delight. Plan ahead to enjoy their architectural beauty.
Snowdrops (Next Year)
Snowdrops are among the first signs of spring, emerging while winter still clings. Planting them now ensures an early bloom next year.
They prefer shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Their delicate white blooms offer a subtle yet profound beauty.
By planting snowdrops, you’re investing in a perennial favorite that signals the end of winter. Their understated elegance enchants every garden.
Crocus (Next Year)
Crocus bulbs planted now herald the arrival of spring with their vibrant colors. These hardy plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.
Their small stature and bold hues make them perfect for borders and rock gardens. The anticipation of their early bloom adds a spark of excitement.
Crocuses are a gardener’s joy, offering dependable color and charm. Plant them now to enjoy their cheerful presence next year.