While I’m still swooning over tulips, azaleas, and lilacs, let me assure you. Spring’s floral magic doesn’t stop there. If you’ve ever wished your garden could stay vibrant well into May and beyond, I’ve got good news for you. It can.

Whether you’re planting fresh or building on an established landscape, these trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines will add long-lasting color and charm to your yard year after year. Let’s dig in!

Trees That Bloom Beautifully in May

Kousa Dogwood

These graceful trees bloom in late spring with eye-catching white or blush pink bracts. Beyond their blooms, Kousas offer year-round interest from rich autumn foliage to quirky red fruits that birds and strangely, my kids, adore. My favorite varietals include ‘Greensleeves’ which have a creamy white bloom, and ‘Rosy Tea Cups’ with their deep pink blush blooms.

White Fringe Tree

Native and absolutely stunning, this tree puts on a show with frothy white panicles in April and May. It’s like a living sculpture with a multi-trunk form, and it wraps up the season with glowing golden foliage.

Tulip Poplar

A majestic native shade tree, the Tulip Poplar bursts with tulip-shaped green-yellow flowers in late spring and is an absolute favorite for pollinators. It’s one of the best trees for making a bold, beneficial statement in your landscape.

Shrubs That Make a Statement

Mock Orange

If fragrance is your thing, Mock Oranges are a must. Mock Orange produces clusters of white, camellia-like flowers that smell like a citrus grove. Perfect to place near a patio, porch, or pathway.

Roses

Roses may have a fussy reputation, but with the right varieties, they can be a dream. Try my favorites ‘Mother of Pearl’ – a peachy Grandiflora with a sweet scent and repeat blooms and
‘Popcorn Drift’ – a compact groundcover rose with soft yellow and blush tones.

Perennials for Late Spring and Beyond

Peonies

Few things are more enchanting than peonies in full bloom. Big, fragrant, and available in a rainbow of shades from rich red to creamy white, peonies are truly a showstopper. Try my favorites Dr. Alexander Fleming and Duchesse de Nemours.

Salvia

Low maintenance and pollinator-friendly, Salvia brings long-lasting spikes of purple, white, or pink flowers to the garden from May well into summer. 

Tip: Deadhead regularly to keep the show going.

Clematis

The perfect vine for trellises or fences, clematis comes in a variety of stunning hues. My favorite is Diamantina, a rebloomer with soft lavender petals. It’s easy to train and won’t overrun your garden.

Irises

If you’re looking to bridge that “May bloom gap,” irises are about to be your best friend. These bold beauties love the sun and come in nearly every color imaginable. Plus, they’re deer-resistant!

These Plants Will Keep Your Garden Blooming all Throughout May

From statuesque trees to fragrant shrubs and vibrant perennials, there’s no reason your garden can’t stay stunning well into summer. Whether you’re designing from scratch or adding layers to an existing space, these plants will return each year stronger, brighter, and more beautiful.

Jenna’s Top Tip

Layer for continuous color! Start with a flowering tree (like Kousa Dogwood), mix in a mid-height shrub (such as Mock Orange), and finish with low-growing perennials (hello, peonies!) for a three-tiered display that blooms from early spring through summer.

Ready to bring these beauties home? Book a design consult and let’s create a yard that’s the envy of the block.