If you’re wondering what to grow as we enter the summer season, try these best bulbs to plant in May for late summer blooms!
If you choose the right bulbs to plant in May, your garden will burst into color just when most summer flowers start to fade! We’ll help you do just that.
Best Bulbs To Plant In May
1. Gladiolus
Botanical Name: Gladiolus hortulanus
These are perfect for May planting and will bloom in about 70–90 days. Gladiolus come in almost every shade imaginable, and their upright growth makes them ideal for the back of borders or as cut flowers.
When planting, dig about 4 inches deep in well-draining soil and space them 6 inches apart. Gladiolus prefers full sun and benefits from staking in windy areas due to its tall flowering stalks. For a staggered blooming display, plant a new batch every 10 days throughout May.
2. Dahlia
Botanical Name: Dahlia pinnata
Dahlias are the queens of late summer and early fall, and May is the perfect time to plant their tubers. These stunners can take 1–2 months to bloom, which means they will hit with beautiful blooms in late July through September and sometimes October. So, whether you’re after plate-sized blooms or petite pompons, dahlias will offer you both.
Plant the tubers in rich, well-draining soil and avoid watering until shoots emerge, which prevents rot. Dahlias are sun-lovers and heavy feeders, so once they’re growing, give them full sunlight and a regular boost with low-nitrogen fertilizer.
3. Coppertips
Botanical Name: Crocosmia crocosmiiflora
If you want a burst of bold orange, red, or yellow blooms that are hummingbird magnets in late summer, Crocosmia is the best option. You can plant its corms in late April or May and expect a beautiful floral show by August. Planting in early May will ensure no frost danger to its sword-like foliage and arching flower spikes.
When planting, choose a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile soil and bury the corms about 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. If you live in a colder region, remember to mulch them!
4. Montbretia
Botanical Name: Crocosmia masoniorum
Montbretia offers similar hues but slightly more upright, clustered blooms. Planting these corms in May ensures a stunning floral display in late summer, especially in cottage-style gardens.
These flowers love the sun and appreciate moist but well-drained soil, but don’t let them sit in soggy soil. You can bury the corms 2–4 inches deep and water sparingly until you see growth. Avoid overfeeding, though; too much nitrogen can reduce flowers and increase foliage.
5. Tuberose
Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa
Tuberose is the best choice if you’re looking to add a lovely fragrance to your late summer evenings. With its waxy, white blossoms and intoxicating scent, it blooms late in the season and thrives when planted in warm, well-drained soil. This is what makes it ideal for May, especially in hilly and colder regions.
These heat lovers are slow to start but reward your patience with blooms that last well into fall. In colder regions, grow them in containers to lift them before frost.
6. Rain Lily
Botanical Name: Zephyranthes spp.
If you plant rain lilies in May, they’ll be well established when summer storms arrive and will flower in cycles through late summer. Some varieties of rain lilies bloom in pure white, while others come in pink or yellow, giving you beautiful color choices.
These bulbs prefer full sun to partial shade and require well-drained soil, especially when grown in pots. Although they may look delicate, once they are settled in, they are surprisingly resilient and low-maintenance.
7. Canna Lily
Botanical Name: Canna indica
These popular blooms bring tropical beauty to any late summer garden with their showy red, orange, yellow, and pink blooms. When you plant them in May, they’ll be ready by late July or August, making them a showstopper in garden beds or large containers.
Plant rhizomes horizontally in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and water well. They need full sun to thrive and benefit from a midseason fertilizer boost for continuous blooming. In colder climates, dig up the rhizomes after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
8. Pineapple Lily
Botanical Name: Eucomis comosa
This quirky bulb truly lives up to its name, with a bloom that looks like a tropical pineapple atop a thick stem. When growing them, choose a sunny, sheltered spot and plant bulbs in rich, well-draining soil.
They require moderate watering while growing and perform best in raised beds or containers where drainage can be easily controlled. Pineapple lilies are known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which makes them functional in your landscape.
Well, what are you waiting for? Plant these lovelies today, and soon you’ll have a garden full of pretty colors. Do share how it goes for you in the comments below!
