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May is a wonderful month for gardeners eager to enjoy vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Early blooming perennials are perfect for adding life to your garden after the long winter months. Here are the top five perennials to care for in May that will reward you with beautiful flowers and lush foliage.
1. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Heart is a classic shade-loving perennial that begins to bloom in early May. Its heart-shaped pink or white flowers dangle gracefully from arching stems. These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Regular watering and deadheading can promote continuous flowering throughout the season.
2. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Siberian Iris is known for its striking, sword-like leaves and vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers. It blooms in early to mid-May, adding a splash of color to borders and water gardens. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
3. Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
Lungwort is a low-growing perennial with attractive spotted or silvery leaves and early spring flowers in shades of blue, pink, or purple. It blooms in May and is ideal for shaded garden spots. Lungwort requires moist, humus-rich soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping Phlox is a groundcover perennial that bursts into bloom in early May. Its dense mats of small, star-shaped flowers come in various colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
5. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.)
Solomon’s Seal is a graceful perennial with arching stems and dangling, bell-shaped white or cream flowers that appear in May. It thrives in shady or semi-shady areas and prefers moist, rich soil. Its foliage remains attractive throughout the summer, making it a versatile addition to woodland gardens.
Care Tips for Early Blooming Perennials in May
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early May.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide overcrowded clumps in late spring or early summer to promote healthy growth.
By caring for these early bloomers in May, you’ll enjoy a colorful and lively garden throughout the spring and into early summer. Their vibrant flowers and lush foliage will provide visual interest and a sense of renewal after winter.