With the gradual shift from spring to summer, it’s always a visual treat to have a garden filled with bright and vivid flowers. May is the perfect month to plant perennial flowers, which will make your garden look stunning.
In addition to being visually pleasing, perennials are typically simple to care for and plant. During the month of May, flowers will receive the necessary amount of rain and sunshine to thrive and flourish. In case you’re in need of some inspiration as to what to plant, we’ve put together a list of 10 different types of perennial flowers that are ideal for planting during May. Additionally, we’ll highlight the characteristics of each flower and provide some helpful tips on how to properly care for them so that they continue to bloom beautifully all season long. First on our list is the Ashy Sunflower.
Are you in search of sunflowers that bloom for a long time and require minimal upkeep? Why not consider ashy sunflowers, which are a type of perennial sunflower and a great alternative to the annual varieties that grow huge blooms.
Ashy sunflowers have attractive large flowerheads with bright yellow petals. Apart from their looks, they are also beneficial for soil restoration and have medicinal properties that are helpful in case of fever.
To take care of these sunflowers, water them twice a week and plant them in well-drained soil with an irrigation system. They require at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day as well.
Another option to consider is Common Yarrow, also known as Achillea.
Achilleas, also known as holdman’s pepper, are a type of wildflower that has a unique spicy scent. They typically bloom from May to June and are most commonly found in zones three to nine. These flowers are easily recognizable for their small white flower heads that grow in clusters, although they also come in pink and yellow and can reach up to three feet in height.
One of the great things about achilleas is that they are very drought-resistant and prefer dry environments with lots of sunlight. If you’re looking to grow them, make sure to avoid fertilizing them too much, as this can cause them to overgrow. Overall, achilleas are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden.
The vibrant and lively poppy is a flower that comes in an array of stunning shades, ranging from apricot, blue, yellow, purple, and even black. These beautiful colors make them a magnet for pollinators to admire.
Poppy flowers bloom at their best from May to June. The petals of the poppy have a unique structure with their outer petals hanging low while the inner petals (referred to as standards) remain upright.
Sunlight is vital for the growth of poppies, and they require a minimum of six hours of daily exposure to thrive. Overwatering should be avoided as it could lead to rhizome rotting, which could damage the plant’s health.
If you’re searching for a flower that can instantly put a smile on your face, we’ve got just the thing. Look no further than poppies! These beauties are well-known for their elegant hues, which range from deep red to rich purple.
Poppies boast four to six petals, forming a cup-like shape that’s often wrinkled and overlapping. They’re almost reminiscent of tiny fluffy dresses turned upside down. You can expect these gorgeous flowers to bloom from April through June, with some varieties growing up to four feet tall and spreading out for up to two feet.
Not only are poppies visually stunning, but they’re also hardy perennials that can withstand a range of climates from zones two to nine. To ensure your poppies thrive, it’s essential to plant them in well-draining, moist, and fertile soil. Give them six hours of sunlight each day, and water them two to three times weekly for optimal growth.
Another fantastic flower to consider planting is the large-flowered tickseed.
The large-flowered tickseed is a beautiful wildflower that boasts vibrant, yellow petals with unique, jagged edges. Certain types even showcase eye-catching red designs in the middle of their petals. These flowers typically bloom from June to September and can grow up to three feet tall and wide. They are best suited for hardiness zones four to ten. For optimal care, it’s recommended to plant tickseeds in slightly damp soil with a neutral to acidic pH level (between 5.5 and 6.5) at a depth of about two inches. Another lovely plant worth mentioning is lavender.
Including the charming lavender on our must-have plant list is essential. This beloved plant is renowned for its delicate fragrance commonly infused in perfumes and essential oils. Lavenders are shrubs that can grow up to three feet tall, blooming around May or June, with most varieties thriving in zones five to ten. They have extended shoots where small white to purplish-blue blooms attach to add to their beauty. However, it is challenging to grow lavender from seeds, so it’s best to purchase starters from nurseries instead. To ensure your lavender thrives, plant them in areas that receive abundant sunlight and water them twice weekly. Lastly, don’t forget to include the stunning peonies in your garden.
If you’re a flower enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of peonies – they’re absolutely stunning blooms that smell divine! With their ruffled petals and varying shades of white, pink and red, these flowers are a true feast for the eyes. Typically in bloom between May and late June, peonies can grow up to three feet tall and prefer to be planted in hardiness zones three to seven.
If you’re thinking about growing peonies, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, these beauties need plenty of sun – about eight hours per day, ideally. It’s also important not to plant them too deep – no more than 1.9 inches – and to make sure the soil is well-draining and loamy. With a little bit of TLC, your peonies will thrive and provide plenty of joy and beauty!
Delightful hardy geraniums come in a variety of colors, ranging from soft pink to vibrant purple. These delicate perennials have a symmetrical appearance, with some even sporting heart-shaped petals. They prefer hardiness zones four to nine and begin blooming in June, adding beauty to any garden. Although they can grow up to four feet in length, they make excellent groundcovers due to their impressive spread. Proper care includes watering only when the soil has completely dried and regular deadheading to encourage blooming.
Another stunning perennial is dicentra, also known as bleeding heart. This plant produces heart-shaped flowers that hang gracefully from arching stems and come in shades of pink, red, and white. Dicentra prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for a woodland garden. It blooms in early spring and then again in fall, adding color and interest to the landscape. As a low-maintenance plant, it requires minimal care and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
The bleeding heart plant, scientifically known as dicentra, got its name from its unique drooping, heart-shaped flowers that come in shades of light pink to red. These herbaceous plants are a sight to behold and bloom from mid-spring to summer, thriving in zones three to nine.
While some dicentra variants prefer shade, like the native and dwarf types, newer ones like Fire Island require sun exposure to grow. It’s best to keep their soil pH between 6 to 6.5, but adding mulch or compost can help promote healthy growth.
Moving on to another plant – the purple coneflower is a beautiful addition to any garden. With their striking purple petals that surround a spiky orange-brown center, these perennials can bloom from mid-summer to fall. They’re drought-tolerant and can handle a range of soil conditions, making them a low-maintenance choice for any gardener.
Although their petals may appear sad and droopy, coneflowers are still worth it for their vibrant hues. Personally, I have a soft spot for the purple ones because they represent prosperity, triumph, and balance.
With a blooming period from June to August, these plants can reach up to three feet tall and prosper best in hardiness zones three to nine.
Additionally, coneflowers are low-maintenance and don’t require deep watering as they can tolerate drought. They also need around six hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
To sum up, perennials are stunning plants that demand minimal upkeep and hibernate during winter before flourishing in the spring. Our top ten pick for perennial flowers to cultivate in June includes achillea, ashy sunflower, iris, lavender, peonies, and poppy – all of which are easy to care for and perfect for those with busy schedules.
Besides their aesthetic value, passionflower vines are also popular for producing delicious passion fruit. If you’re thinking of adding ornamental flowers to your garden, take a look at some of the exquisite types of passionflower vines available:
1. Snow Queen Passionflower.
Looking for a spectacular arrangement of plants? Look no further than the Winged-Stem Passionflower! Boasting stunning white blooms and vibrant green leaves, this plant is a real showstopper that’s sure to turn heads. Plus, its unique winged stems add an extra touch of visual interest that you won’t find in other plants.
The Winged-Stem Passionflower is a stunning plant that boasts vibrant red petals and unique white and purple filaments. These filaments stay closed around the anthers and emit a delightful fragrance. It’s truly a sight to behold!
The Blue Crown Passionflower is a prevalent variety found in Texas and is often referred to as May-Pop by local gardeners. These plants are named so because their fruits make a loud popping sound if accidentally stepped on.
If you’re searching for a plant that will fill your space with delightful aromas, then the Perfumed Passionflower is definitely worth considering. This hybrid plant is easily attainable and requires minimal upkeep.
The Elizabeth Passionflower is a robust plant that blooms vibrant scarlet flowers boasting edible fruits and yellow filaments. To ensure optimal growth, ensure it receives an ample amount of indirect and bright light.
The White Wedding Passionflower is a beautiful sight to behold, featuring gorgeous lavender petals that are truly stunning. What sets it apart from other flowers is the way its flat petals curl and twist around each other, creating a one-of-a-kind appearance that is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
The White Wedding plant is a lively climber that bears large, sweet-smelling blossoms in a striking white hue that perfectly complement its blue-green leaves.
8. Another beautiful option is the Constance Elliot Passionflower.
Identifying the Constance Elliot flower is a breeze with its snowy petals and powerful aroma. This particular flower thrives under optimal sunlight conditions in order to produce an abundance of blooms. Moving on to the Gritensis Passionflower…
Among the various Passionflower vines out there, the Incense variety stands out as a particularly captivating option. Its large fuchsia petals are truly eye-catching and look absolutely gorgeous against its lush green foliage.
The Lady Margaret Passionflower is a tough plant that can withstand chilly weather. Its striking deep purple petals and corona have wavy, lengthy filaments and bear delectable fruits with a sweet taste.
Lady Margaret is a stunning hybrid plant with exquisite raspberry-red petals that resemble those of its scarlet parent. This beautiful plant is the result of a crossbreeding process between two different species – Incarnata and Coccinea. If you’re a fan of passion fruit, Lady Margaret is definitely worth checking out!
The Passionflower vine that we’re talking about here is unique because of its blue and white tiny petals. It’s also known for producing fruits that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This particular kind of Passionflower vine is called Banana Passion Fruit.
The Red Passionflower is a plant that produces blooms with tubular petals in shades of white or pale pink. Compared to other types on this list, it demands more attention and care.
The Stinking Passionflower, also known as the huge red passionflower, boasts a sizeable diameter of 4-5 inches. Its striking appearance is a result of the combination of white and purple filaments that complement the red petals perfectly. Additionally, the fruits of this flower are quite enjoyable!
Don’t be deceived by the title. The Cincinnata Passionflower may not sound like much, but it’s definitely worth your attention. It earned its name due to the scent that emanates from the leaves when you crush them.
Cincinnata, a stunning Brazilian flower, boasts deep purple blossoms that are truly eye-catching. This unique plant is actually a hybrid, resulting from the combination of various other flower varieties. Its large, vibrant flowers are sure to make a bold statement in any garden or landscape. Additionally, we have Citrina Passionflower as another option.
The Damsel’s Delight Passionflower is commonly grown as a houseplant and is known for its small yellow blooms. Interestingly, this plant can produce flowers for a whopping 8-10 months annually!
If you’re seeking a stunning plant variety without any fruits, Damsel’s Delight is a delightful option with its broad white petals measuring 5-6 inches wide and purple filaments. As for the Red Banana Passionflower, we’ll have to explore its beauty another time.
The Vanilla Passionfruit, commonly known as Red Banana, is known for its large and vibrant flowers that are a standout in its family. The petals of this plant come in a striking red-fuchsia hue with small corollas in shades of purple and green. Another member of the Passionflower family that deserves a mention is the Sunburst Passionflower.
The Sunburst passionflower vine boasts unique flowers that feature green sepals and striking orange corona filaments. Additionally, its leaves are adorned with yellow spots, lending it the nickname ‘Nectar Dots.’ This plant serves as a great source of inspiration for gardening enthusiasts.
The Inspiration hybrid is a great option for those living in USDA Zones 7-11, boasting beautiful purple flowers that range from light to dark. Not only that, but it’s perfect for container gardening as well. Another passionflower worth mentioning is the Allardii variety.
The Allardii passionflower is known for its delightful fragrance and is a popular choice among passionflower enthusiasts. This variety is suitable for cultivation in USDA Zones 9-11 and produces beautiful blooms in shades of pink, white, blue, and purple. Let’s also take a look at the Raspberry Strudel Passionflower.
Raspberry Strudel is a type of passionflower vine that looks so beautiful that it could be mistaken for an edible dessert. Its flowers come in stunning shades of white, pink, and magenta. Another type of passionflower vine is Victoria Passionflower.
Victoria is a type of evergreen plant that looks stunning when it twines around structures like fences and arbors. Its beautiful flowers make for a wonderful display. Another species, the White Maypop Passionflower, is also worth considering.
This plant can be found in the eastern part of America and comes in a pristine white color. One unique feature of this plant is its ability to produce delicious fruits that are used in various food preparations like jams and jellies. It is commonly known as the Betty Myles Young Passionflower.
The Betty Myles Young plant is a fantastic choice for gardens along the river due to its ability to thrive in that environment. This hybrid can reach impressive heights of 10-15 feet and boasts lovely flowers in shades of purple, white, and dusky blue, emitting a subtle fragrance. Its beauty and adaptability make it an ideal addition to any garden.
