There are so many plants to choose from at this time of year it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, here is a handy list of our top plant picks for May:
Climbers
Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’ – A vigorous grower with pale pink, vanilla scented flowers which contrast against bronze young foliage. Flowering in late spring, the plant will be smothered in flowers, creating a waterfall of flowers when trailing from a tree or support. It will quickly cover walls or pergolas.
Clematis armandi – Clematis armandi is a large, vigorous, evergreen climber with leathery, dark glossy green leaves up to 15cm long and an abundance of single, fragrant creamy-white flowers, up to 5-6cm across, with creamy stamens and hang in clusters in early to mid-spring. This variety is perfect for growing against a sunny west or south-facing wall. Evergreen, it retains its glossy mid-green leaves throughout the year so it’s an excellent choice for screening walls, fences and pergolas. This Clematis is in pruning group 1, which flower early in the year and should be pruned after flowering in mid to late spring. Prefers full sun. Tolerates any soil condition as long as it’s moist and well drained. Final height: 4-8m tall, 1.5-2.5m wide.
Clematis montana var. grandiflora – A vigorous, deciduous climber celebrated for its stunning, pure white flowers that bloom profusely in late spring to early summer. The large, single blooms cover the plant, creating a spectacular, cascading display over walls, pergolas, trellises or fences. Dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop, turning soft yellow in autumn. Grow in full sun or partial shade with roots kept cool in moist but well-drained soil. Clematis montana ‘Grandiflora’ can reach 8-12 metres in height and 4 metres spread, making it ideal for covering large structures and adding abundant seasonal interest.
Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ – Also known as Pearlbush, Exochorda x macrantha is a popular deciduous shrub covered with showy white flowers in April and May. A small to medium sized bush with a weeping habit. Can be trained against a wall, pergolas, trellises or fences.
Ornamental Trees
Acer palmatum ‘Skeeters Broom’ (Japanese Maple) – Known for its vibrant red foliage and upright, vase-shaped growth habit. In spring, the deeply lobed leaves emerge a bright crimson, transitioning to a rich purple-red in summer, maintaining their striking color throughout the growing season. By autumn, the foliage transforms into brilliant scarlet, creating a spectacular seasonal display. This slow-growing tree reaches 2.5 metres tall, making it a colourful focal point in the garden. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position and partial shade.
Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ (Japanese Maple) – Prized for its deeply cut, foliage in rich, near-black burgundy tones. Emerging dark purple in spring, the leaves turn shades of red and orange in autumn. Its elegant, upright habit forms a small, graceful tree, perfect for adding drama and contrast to borders, courtyards, or large containers. Thriving in a sheltered position with partial shade, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. ‘Black Lace’ brings refined beauty to gardens of any size.
Acer palmatum ‘Beni-maiko’ (Japanese Maple) – Acer palmatum ‘Beni-maiko’ is a captivating Japanese Maple prized for its vibrant and ever-changing foliage. With a mature height of 1.5-2m, it forms a compact, upright shape. Flourishing in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, this cultivar prefers partial shade to shield its delicate leaves. ‘Beni-maiko’ emerges in spring with brilliant pinkish-red foliage, transitioning to a more subdued pinkish-green in summer and culminating in orange and red tones in autumn. Its small size makes it ideal for smaller gardens or containers, adding a burst of color and elegance. This cultivar showcases the essence of the Japanese Maple’s beauty in a more diminutive form.
Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree) – Commonly known as the Judas tree, it is an eye-catching deciduous tree. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this small to medium-sized tree bears an abundance of vibrant, magenta-pink flowers along its older wood branches in early spring before the emergence of its heart-shaped leaves. The striking blossoms create a stunning contrast against the smooth, grey bark. Purplish pods appear in the autumn and remain on the tree through the winter. Height 8-12m.
Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ (Flowering Dogwood) – Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ is a beautiful deciduous tree valued for its long-lasting floral display and elegant form. In late spring to early summer, large deep pink bracts appear around the tiny central flowers, gradually softening to rose and blush tones. These striking blooms sit above rich green foliage, which turns vibrant shades of red and purple in autumn. A slow-growing tree with a neat, layered habit, ‘Miss Satomi’ is ideal as a specimen for gardens. Best grown in a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained neutral to acidic soil, it offers outstanding seasonal interest.
Cornus kousa ‘Cherokee’ (Flowering Dogwood) – A deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring display. In late spring, large showy white bracts surround clusters of tiny central flowers, creating a bold and elegant feature. Fresh green foliage forms a neat, spreading canopy through summer, before turning rich red and purple tones in autumn. Ideal as a specimen tree, Cornus ‘Cherokee’ thrives in well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun or partial shade, where it will flourish beautifully.
Shrubs
Ceanothus ‘Concha’ (Californian Lilac) – A stunning, evergreen climber or shrub prized for its prolific, deep violet-blue flowers and glossy dark green foliage. Blooming in late spring to early summer, its dense clusters of small flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding vibrant colour to borders and patios. The foliage remains evergreen, providing year-round structure and interest, and the plant has a naturally compact, rounded habit. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it is drought tolerant once established and prefers sheltered sites. At maturity, Ceanothus ‘Concha’ typically reaches 2.5-4 metres in height with a similar spread, making it an ideal statement in the gardens.
Conifer
Pinus × schwerinii ‘Wiethorst’ – This versatile dwarf conifer offers a high level of year-round visual interest without requiring a large amount of space. It’s long, soft silver-blue needles give the tree a distinctive appearance. ‘Wiethorst’ is notable for producing an abundance of large, decorative cones even when the tree is quite young. It typically reaches a mature height of only 2.5–3 metres and a spread of about 1.2–1.5 metres making it an excellent focal point or specimen tree for smaller residential gardens, rock gardens, mixed borders, or even for growing in large containers.
Trees
Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ (Indian Bean Tree) – A striking ornamental tree valued for its large tropical looking foliage, golden colour, and showy summer flowers. It makes a bold architectural statement and works beautifully as a standalone specimen in a lawn or open garden.
Malus × moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ (Crab apple) – A highly ornamental deciduous crab apple, prized for its outstanding spring blossom and autumn interest. Deep crimson buds open to masses of rich, dark pink flowers turning lighter pink in mid to late spring, creating a spectacular display. These are followed by small, dark red fruits that persist into autumn and attract wildlife. The bronze-green foliage matures to deep green before turning warm autumn tones. Ideal as a specimen tree for gardens, it grows in full sun and tolerates most soils including clay. At maturity, it typically reaches around 3-8 metres in height and offers seasonal charm.
Malus x zumi ‘Golden Hornet’ (Crab apple) – A popular crab apple valued for its reliable flowering and decorative fruit. In spring, masses of white blossoms with soft pink buds cover the branches, attracting pollinators. These are followed by abundant, bright golden-yellow fruits that persist well into winter, adding long-lasting seasonal interest. Glossy green foliage provides a fresh summer canopy before turning yellow in autumn. Reaching approximately 5–7 meters in height, ‘Golden Hornet’ has a rounded, well-balanced form and thrives in most soils in full sun.
Malus toringo ‘Scarlett’ (Crab apple) – Recently introduced, this glorious crab apple has dark pink blossom in the spring and the most beautiful wine-red foliage in summer. Its red fruits are small and provide great pollination for other edible varieties nearby.
Wonderful for providing a strong contrast, there are other dark leaved crab apples available but this is one of the best, for its spectacular foliage display. Its leaves are irregular in shape with indented lobes adding to interest. Malus toringo ‘Scarlet’ thrives in most situations and is a better choice than a flowering cherry where heavy clay soil is an issue. We recommend rabbit guards for areas where deer and rabbits are present. Good for wildlife and pollinators. Mature height: 5-8m
Crataegus x lavalleei (Hawthorn) – A deciduous tree valued for its rounded habit and excellent year-round interest. In late spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers that attract pollinators and create a gentle, ornamental display. Glossy dark green leaves turn rich shades of bronze and red in autumn. Bright orange-red berries develop in late summer and persist into winter, providing colour and wildlife value. Crataegus × lavalleei thrives in sun or partial shade and most soil conditions but will not tolerate waterlogged areas. Height 4-8m.
Crataegus x lavalleei ‘Carrièrei’ (Hawthorn) – Crataegus x lavalleei ‘Carrierei’ has broad and very dark green leaves. Glossy, almost evergreen looking, they produce a dense coverage which can last through to December, making them a useful tree for screening.
A tree with year-round interest, it has soft creamy white flowers which hang in clusters from around May and orange-red haws which appear later in the autumn time, often lasting right through winter. This lovely tree can also produce great autumn colour where temperatures drop early. This small Hawthorn forms a mature tree that has a small and compact crown.
Crataegus x persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ (Hawthorn) – An ornamental deciduous tree with charming spring blossoms, attractive foliage, and ornamental fruit. Glossy oval green leaves appear in the spring changing to dramatic reds and oranges in the autumn. Small white flowers in the spring attract pollinators, leading to red berries in the autumn that stay through the winter and provide food for the birds. A perfect addition to add wildlife to the garden. Height and Spread 4-8m.
Grows well in most soils in full sun or partial shade.
Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ (Tulip Tree) – This is an elegant, deciduous tree prized for its distinctive foliage and striking presence. The unusual, shaped leaves are soft green with golden-yellow margins, adding light and contrast throughout the growing season. In early summer greenish-yellow, tulip-like flowers with orange markings appear followed by the leaves turning warm shades of yellow in autumn. This cultivar is best suited to larger gardens or parkland settings. Thriving in moist but well-drained neutral to acidic soil in full sun or partial shade, it makes a superb specimen tree.
Paulownia tomentosa (Foxglove tree) – A deciduous tree with large, ovate leaves and fragrant, light lilac-purple flowers in spring. Unusually, this tree forms its flowerbuds the previous season and so flowering is dependant on the overwintering buds not being damaged by a late frost. Can also be pollared annually to promote vigorous growth and extra large leaves upto 60cm or more accross. 9-12m tall at maturity.
Juglans regia (Walnut tree) – This is a large, deciduous tree valued for its handsome form and edible nuts. It has long green leaves that emerge late in spring, followed by small green flowers and rounded walnuts in autumn. Ideal for large gardens, parks and estates, it grows best in full sun and is adaptable to most soil types, provided conditions are well drained and not prone to waterlogging. Typically reaching 20+metres in height with a broad, spreading canopy, making it an impressive specimen tree.
Sorbus aucuparia ‘Edulis’ (Rowan) – A small to medium-sized ornamental tree prized for its multi-season appeal. In late spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by abundant bright red berries in late summer and autumn, which are particularly large and edible, appealing to birds and humans alike. Its pinnate green foliage turns yellow to orange in the autumn, adding seasonal interest. Typically reaching 7–12m in height, ‘Edulis’ thrives in moist but well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Its compact form, reliable fruiting, and ornamental value make it ideal for gardens.
Herbaceous perennials
Agapanthus (African Lily) – Agapanthus are dramatic, sun‑loving perennials known for their large, spherical flowerheads in striking blues, purples, and whites. They originate from South Africa but are widely grown in the UK thanks to their toughness and long-lasting summer display.
Vinca minor ‘Atropurpurea’ (Periwinkle) – A wide-spreading evergreen perennial about 10cm in height, with ovate, dark green leaves and deep reddish-purple flowers 2.5cm in width.
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) – Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a charming perennial herb that graces gardens with its unique foliage and delicate blossoms. Characterized by its soft, velvety, scalloped leaves that collect dewdrops like glistening jewels, this plant adds an ethereal quality to any landscape. In late spring and early summer, Alchemilla mollis produces clusters of tiny, chartreuse-yellow flowers held aloft on wiry stems. Its low-growing, mound-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover, thriving in moist, well-drained soils. Beyond its ornamental appeal, folklore associates Lady’s Mantle with alchemical properties, lending a touch of mystique to this enchanting garden favourite.
- Alliums
- Aquilegia
- Bergenia ‘Fire & Ice’
- Canna lillies
- Coreopsis ‘Golden Sphere’
- Digitalis
- Erysium ‘Bowles Mauve’
- Gaura
- Gaura lindheimeri
- Geum
- Gerbera
- Heuchera
- Rhodanthemum
- Peonies
- Salvia
- Tiarella
Feeling inspired?
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