Flowers That Bloom in May: 50+ Spring Beauties for Your Garden

May is the gateway to summer, when gardens explode with color and fragrance. Whether you're planning a wedding, designing a border, or simply want to know what's peaking this month, here's a curated list of over 50 flowers that typically bloom in May, complete with descriptions and growing notes.

May-Blooming Flowers A–Z

A

Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) – Native to Africa; purple-blue-white trumpet clusters; sun-loving.

Amaryllis (Belladonna Lily) – South American; warm reds, pinks, oranges; two rows of blooms.

Anemone (Windflower) – 120+ species; white, blue, red, violet; delicate poppy-like flowers.

Apple Blossom – Michigan's state flower; white/pink; Pyrus coronaria; blooms before fruit set.

B

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) – South African; exotic orange/blue bird-like blooms.

Calla Lily – Zantedeschia aethiopica; Southern Africa; white, yellow, orange, red; elegant spathes.

Casa Blanca Lily – Pristine white, fragrant, large outward-facing blooms; classic oriental lily.

Cherry Blossom – Japan's iconic spring flower; pale pink clouds; celebrated in festivals.

C

Clematis – Pastel hybrids; refreshing fragrance; climbs beautifully.

Cornflower (Bluebottle) – European native; herbal uses for tired eyes; Greek mythology ties.

Daffodil (Narcissus) – Jolly yellow/white; poisonous if eaten; early to mid-spring.

Dahlia – Named for Andreas Dahl; now in nearly every color; tuberous perennials.

D

Delphinium – Buds shaped like dolphins (delphis); blue spikes; toxic but medicinal.

Dogwood – Clusters of four showy bracts (not petals); greenish true flowers inside.

Forsythia – Named for William Forsyth; Chinese native; golden yellow; great in masses.

Freesia – Fragrant, easy to grow; popular in bouquets and arches.

G

Gardenia – African tropics; creamy white, intensely fragrant; needs care but worth it.

Gloriosa Lily – Vine-growing; exotic reflexed petals; highly toxic if eaten.

Heather – Pink, purple, red, white; native to Scandinavia, British Isles; acidic soil.

Hellebore – Perennial; white, pink, purple, even green; early, long-lasting.

H

Hollyhock – Tall spires; pale to vibrant colors; perfect border fence shrub.

Hyacinth – "Baby's breath" clusters; salmon, white, yellow, peach, lavender, blue, pink, red, orange.

Lilac – 10-ft shrubs; purple panicles; breathtaking in mass; fragrant.

Lisianthus – Cream, pink, mauve, tan, blue; attracts birds and bees.

M

Magnolia – Dark green leaves, fragrant white blossoms; Louisiana state flower; regal.

Orchid – Exquisite beauty; versatile for bouquets, hair, vines.

Pansy – Violet hybrid; red, yellow, orange, purple, white; cheerful "faces."

Peach Blossom – Vietnamese spring symbol; Delaware state flower; delicate pink.

P

Peony – Asian/Southern European; cream to black-purple; lush, fragrant.

Phlox – Fragrant carpets; bright colors attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds.

Poppy – Red, orange, yellow; sleep/death symbolism; also resurrection in mythology.

Protea (King Protea) – Large, exotic; yellow, red, white, pink; South African.

P–R

Pussy Willow – Fuzzy catkins; frozen at bud stage for decor; Chinese New Year favorite.

Ranunculus – Layered, smooth petals; red, yellow, cream, orange, white; rose-like.

Rhododendron – Peak May bloom; deep green foliage, vivid flowers; garden showstopper.

Rose – Asian native; 100+ species; endless colors; world's favorite flower.

S

Solidago (Goldenrod) – North American wildflower; flat-topped yellow wands.

Stargazer Lily – Freckled, star-like, sweetly fragrant; stunning oriental hybrid.

Stephanotis – Crown of tiny flowers; Greek stephanos (crown) + otis (ear).

Strawflower – Harvested pre-bloom, dried upside down; everlasting arrangements.

S–Z

Sundrop (Evening Primrose) – Oenothera; pallid yellow; dusk bloomer.

Sweet Pea – Sicilian monk sent to England; heavily bred; fragrant climbers.

Trillium – Three petals; protected; illegal to pick without permit.

Tulip – Simple elegance; vibrant colors; gardens, fields, pots.

Viburnum – Easy, hardy; white, pink, red, yellow, blue; gardener favorite.

Weigela – East Asian; pink/white/red/yellow; ornamental shrub; many hybrids.

Yarrow – Native American medicinal; "million" tiny flowers; long stems.

Zinnia – Colorful beds attract butterflies and birds; summer-long bloom.

Additional May Bloomers

Brodea, Cosmos, Delwood, Larkspur, Liatris, Seeded Eucalyptus, Statice, Stock, Wax Flower, and many more.

With this palette, you can orchestrate a May garden that transitions from spring bulbs to early summer perennials, ensuring continuous color and pollinator activity. Choose a mix of heights, textures, and bloom times for the most dynamic display.