What Flowers to Plant in May UK

May is an exciting month for gardeners across the UK. As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to plant flowers that will bloom throughout the summer. Whether you're looking to add colour to your garden or create a floral display that lasts well into autumn, this guide will highlight the best flowers to plant in May.

Brighten Your Garden with Summer Blooms

As temperatures begin to rise, many flowers thrive in the warmer soil and longer daylight hours. One of the best choices for May is sunflowers. These tall, vibrant flowers add instant drama to any garden. They thrive in sunny spots, so choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Sunflowers can grow to impressive heights, making them ideal for the back of flower beds.

Another excellent option is the geranium. Known for their vibrant colours, geraniums come in shades of red, pink, and purple. They’re perfect for containers or hanging baskets, allowing you to add bursts of colour to patios and porches. Geraniums are also relatively easy to grow, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Hardy Perennials for a Long-Lasting Display

If you're looking for flowers that will return year after year, consider planting perennials. Lavender is a classic May choice, known for its fragrant flowers and purple hues. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and it’s not only beautiful but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Once established, lavender plants are low-maintenance and add both colour and scent to the garden.

A Burst of Colour with Annuals

For gardeners looking for instant impact, annuals like petunias and pansies are perfect for May planting. These flowers bloom quickly and offer a wide range of colours. Petunias, in particular, are known for their vibrant pinks, purples, and whites, and they’re often used to fill garden beds, borders, or hanging baskets. Pansies are another popular choice in May, especially because they can handle cooler spring temperatures and provide a cheerful start to the season.

Consider Your Garden’s Environment

When choosing flowers to plant in May, it’s important to consider your garden’s environment. Flowers like daisies and marigolds are incredibly resilient and can grow in a variety of conditions. They are well-suited to flower beds, borders, and pots, and are a favourite for attracting beneficial insects.

Also, if you’re looking for something unique, why not try planting some tulips? Tulips are best planted in the early spring, but there are some varieties that can be planted in May for late-season blooms. These hardy flowers come in a range of colours and sizes, making them a versatile option for any garden design.

Seeds to Sow in May in the UK

May is a fantastic month for sowing seeds in the UK. With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to start growing a variety of plants that will flourish throughout the summer. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned enthusiast, sowing seeds now will ensure your garden is brimming with vibrant colours and textures.

Start Your Summer Vegetable Garden

If you enjoy growing your own food, May is the ideal time to sow vegetable seeds. Tomatoes are a favourite for many home gardeners. These seeds can be sown in a warm, sunny spot, either indoors or in a greenhouse, to give them a head start before they are planted outside. Be sure to keep them warm until they sprout, and once the weather is consistently mild, you can transplant them outdoors.

Beans are another vegetable that thrives when sown in May. Runner beans and broad beans are great choices for this month. Beans love the warmth and moisture that May offers, so they should grow quickly once planted. Whether you have a large plot or a smaller garden, beans can be grown vertically, making them perfect for smaller spaces or containers.

Flowering Beauties to Add Colour

May is also a wonderful time to sow flower seeds that will create a colourful and lively garden in the summer. Sweet peas are a classic May sowing choice. These climbing plants produce fragrant flowers that are perfect for trellises, fences, or containers. Sweet peas come in a variety of colours, from soft pastels to rich purples, and they’ll brighten up any garden space.

For a splash of vibrant colour, cosmos seeds can be sown in May as well. These hardy annuals grow quickly and bloom in stunning shades of pink, purple, and white. Cosmos thrive in well-drained soil and are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding both beauty and environmental benefit to your garden.

Herbs for a Fresh and Fragrant Garden

If you’re looking to grow herbs, May is the time to sow seeds for basil, parsley, and coriander. These herbs thrive in warm weather and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Plant them in sunny spots or containers, ensuring they have enough space to spread. Fresh herbs are not only great for cooking but also help attract pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden.

list of flowers to plant in May in the UK, perfect for creating a vibrant and colourful garden:

1. Sunflowers

2. Geraniums

3. Pansies

4. Lavender

5. Cosmos

6. Sweet Peas

7. Marigolds

8. Echinacea (Coneflowers)

9. Zinnias

10. Petunias

11. Begonias

12. Dahlias

13. Lobelia

14. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)

15. Ageratum

16. Calendula

17. Snapdragons

These flowers will provide a colourful and dynamic display in your garden throughout the summer. Whether you’re looking for annuals or perennials, this list offers a variety of options to suit different garden styles and conditions.

Conclusion

May offers gardeners the chance to introduce a variety of flowers into their gardens, from vibrant sunflowers and geraniums to fragrant lavender and cheerful pansies. With careful planning, your garden can bloom beautifully and provide a stunning display all summer long. Make sure to choose flowers that suit your garden’s conditions, and you’ll enjoy a vibrant, thriving space throughout the warmer months.