Bloom Calendar
Lush growth, layered spring color, and early summer transitions for Long Island landscapes.
May is about layered color and fuller planting beds. This is the time to refine sequences and bloom timing.
Increase irrigation as temperatures rise. Deep-water shrubs to encourage strong root systems.
Featured Plants
Month Care Focus
Mulch and deadhead; increase irrigation as temperatures rise.
Suggested Plants for May
Azalea (Encore + native types)
Shrub
Bloom: April - May (some rebloom)
Sun: Morning sun, afternoon shade
Water: Even moisture; avoid saturated soil
Prefers acidic soil and consistent mulch coverage.
Azalea 'Stewartstonian'
Flowering shrub
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Part sun
Water: Even moisture in acidic soil
Cold-hardy red-blooming azalea with evergreen foliage in milder winters.
Azalea 'Delaware Valley White'
Flowering shrub
Bloom: May
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate
Clean white spring bloom for formal foundation and woodland-edge beds.
Azalea 'Girard's Rose'
Flowering shrub
Bloom: May
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate
Compact cultivar with strong pink bloom color and consistent spring display.
Azalea 'Karen'
Flowering shrub
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Part sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Lavender-pink bloom and compact growth habit suited to Long Island suburban lots.
Mountain Laurel
Shrub
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate; well-drained acidic soil
Native shrub with showy blooms; avoid heavy clay.
Rhododendron
Shrub
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Morning sun, afternoon shade
Water: Even moisture; acidic soil
Great for shaded foundations and woodland edges.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Perennial
Bloom: May - September
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Long bloom period; shear after first flush to rebloom.
Salvia 'May Night'
Perennial
Bloom: May - July (rebloom with deadheading)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Spiked violet-blue flowers that pair well with roses and hydrangea masses.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Perennial
Bloom: May - July
Sun: Part shade to morning sun
Water: Moderate
Foliage-first perennial that adds year-round leaf color in shade and filtered-sun beds.
Peony
Perennial
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
Support blooms and deadhead after flowering.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Shrub
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Salt tolerant native shrub with strong fall color and berries.
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
Shrub
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Reliable salt-resilient shrub for roadside and coastal beds.
Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)
Shrub
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Native coastal shrub with strong salt tolerance and edible fruit.
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Tree/shrub
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate
Understory species suited for filtered woodland light.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Tree
Bloom: April - May
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate
Woodland tree for sheltered and lightly shaded sites.
Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)
Perennial
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Shade to part shade
Water: Moderate
Woodland perennial adapted to deep shade gardens.
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Perennial
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moderate
Native perennial with shade tolerance and spreading habit.
False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
Perennial
Bloom: May - June
Sun: Shade to part shade
Water: Moderate
Understory perennial tolerant of deep shade.
Seasonal Strategy
Align blooms with irrigation and maintenance to keep color peaks synchronized with events and entertaining.
