May is one of the best months in the UK gardening calendar — the soil’s warm, the risk of frost is finally behind us, and plants take off fast with just a bit of care. Whether you’re refreshing a tired bed or starting from scratch, what you plant now will shape your garden’s colour, character, and wildlife appeal for months to come.
In this guide, I’ve chosen seven plants that are not only perfect to plant in May, but that I’ve found to perform reliably in real UK gardens — especially those with coastal conditions, like mine here in Formby. From pollinator favourites to easy perennials that return year after year, these are plants you can count on.
Where possible, I’ve included links to UK suppliers so you can get them delivered straight to your door — and into the soil while conditions are just right.
Why May Is the Perfect Time to Plant
If April is unpredictable, May is when things start to settle — and your garden knows it. The soil is finally warm, the days are longer, and most plants respond with a surge of growth. That makes May an ideal time to add new life to your beds and borders.
You’re also still early enough in the season to enjoy flowers this year, especially if you plant fast-growing perennials or wildlife-friendly varieties. Many plug plants and young perennials are ready to go in the ground right now, and they’ll establish quickly with minimal effort.
Best of all, May planting gives your garden a strong start — and if you choose the right plants, they’ll reward you not just this summer, but for years to come.
7 High-Impact Plants to Plant in May
These are plants I recommend to anyone who wants fast results, reliable colour, and strong wildlife value — especially if you’re gardening in the UK’s variable late spring.
🌸 1. Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’
Why in May: Planted now, it’ll bloom from late spring through summer.
Why it’s great: Bright orange flowers on wiry stems; loved by bees, low maintenance.
My take: One of the first perennials I planted — it’s still going strong after 5 years.
👉 Buy Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’
💜 2. Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’
Why in May: It thrives when planted in warm soil and gives colour into autumn.
Why it’s great: Deep purple flower spikes and striking dark stems; drought-tolerant.
My take: It holds up beautifully in wind and poor soil. A great “set and forget” perennial.
👉 Buy Salvia ‘Caradonna’
🌿 3. Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine)
Why in May: Catch it early and you’ll still enjoy blooms this season.
Why it’s great: Cottage garden classic, self-seeds, handles shade or sun.
My take: I let mine self-sow — they pop up reliably with no fuss.
👉 Buy Aquilegia plugs
🐝 4. Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)
Why in May: Great time to plant first-year flowering varieties.
Why it’s great: Towering, bee-magnet spires; ideal for back of borders or naturalistic beds.
My take: A must-have in wildlife gardens. It looks dramatic and supports pollinators.
👉 Buy Foxglove plants
🌱 5. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)
Why in May: Settles fast and flowers for months.
Why it’s great: Soft blue flowers, silver foliage, thrives in sun and dry soil.
My take: Smells amazing, never flops, and bees love it.
👉 Buy Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
🟣 6. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
Why in May: Often sold growing in pots — great for instant impact.
Why it’s great: Bold, architectural flower heads and great pollinator appeal.
My take: I tuck them in between other perennials for bursts of height and drama.
👉 Buy potted Alliums
🌼 7. Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane)
Why in May: Fast to establish, and blooms until frost.
Why it’s great: Tiny daisy-like flowers that spill over walls and edges.
My take: I planted it in cracks along my front path — now it’s a cheerful cascade.
👉 Buy Erigeron
Planting Tips for Success in May
Planting in May gives you a great head start, but a few simple tips can make the difference between “just surviving” and really thriving:
🌱 1. Water Plants in Before and After Planting
Even if rain is forecast, give plants a good soak before they go into the ground and again after planting. It helps them settle and prevents transplant shock.
🌿 2. Improve Your Soil (Even Just a Bit)
If you’re planting into sandy or tired soil, mix in some peat-free compost or organic matter. This boosts water retention and gives young roots a nutrient kick.
👉 Try: Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium All Purpose Compost
🌧️ 3. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Add a 5–7 cm mulch layer around new plants to keep the soil cool and moist — especially important as temperatures rise.
👉 Try: Your Signature Garden Decorative Bark
🌼 4. Group Plants with Similar Needs
Sun-lovers together, shade-tolerant together. Grouping by light and water needs helps reduce maintenance and improves plant health.
🐝 5. Think Pollinators
Plant in clusters of 3 or more — it’s easier for bees to find them and gives more visual impact, too.
These quick steps help your plants get established faster, flower longer, and need less attention in the long run.
Ready-Made Planting Combinations (For Instant Impact)
Not sure how to group your plants? These simple combos are designed to work in average UK garden conditions — including coastal and wildlife-friendly spaces. You can mix and match, or copy a full set for a low-effort, high-reward border.
🌼 1. Bold & Bee-Friendly (Full Sun)
Perfect for a wildlife border or cottage-style bed.
Why it works: Blooms from late spring through summer, drought-tolerant, and buzzing with pollinators.
🎨 2. Soft Colour + Texture (Low Maintenance)
A breezy, coastal-friendly combination.
Lavender angustifolia (swap in for Nepeta if preferred)
Stipa tenuissima (optional bonus plant)
Why it works: Lavender and Erigeron create soft colour and scent, while Stipa adds movement.
🌳 3. Vertical Drama for the Back of the Border
Great for small spaces where you need height and structure.
Why it works: Bold spires and globe shapes draw the eye and add height without bulk.
💡 Tip: Plant in groups of 3 or 5 for a more natural and full look — and don’t forget to mulch after planting.
Make the Most of May
May is a gift to UK gardeners — warm soil, long evenings, and so many plants ready to settle in and thrive. Whether you’re building a wildlife-friendly space, brightening up a border, or simply want more colour this summer, now is the time to plant.
The plants in this guide aren’t just beautiful — they’re reliable, bee-friendly, and easy to grow, even for beginners. And with trusted suppliers offering healthy plug plants and young perennials, it’s never been easier to get started.
👉 Ready to get planting? Browse the combinations above or pick your favourites from the list — just don’t wait too long, as many of these sell out fast in late spring.
