5 Flowers to Plant in May

We all know the saying – April showers bring May flowers, so it only makes sense then that May is “Gifts of the Garden Month”. Whether you have a green thumb, or your yard isn’t exactly your favorite place to hang out, starting a garden doesn’t have to be intimidating and difficult.

To get you started planting this month, we’ve put together a list of five easy and beautiful flowers to make your yard a little brighter. Before getting started, check your region’s “hardiness” zone – this determines the type of flowers which are most likely to grow successfully in your area. Then, find a nice area for your new garden, and get started with some flower varieties below.

Sunflowers

Not only are they one of the most photogenic and Instagram friendly-flowers, these beautiful plants are easy to grow! Sunflowers are drought and heat tolerant, and are good with most soils. All you have to worry about here is making sure they get enough sunlight – so plant in a sunny spot and let Mother Nature do the rest.

Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Marigolds

Just like Sunflowers, Marigolds are drought and heat tolerant, described in this Country Living article as “indestructible”. They’ll need plenty of sunlight and will in return, provide plenty of vibrant color to your garden with bright orange and yellow, or white.

Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Petunias 

Don’t have a lot of sun in your area? Not a problem with petunias — these favorites in flower beds and containers grow happily in partial shade. With regular watering and fertilization, they can grow up to 12-15 inches.

Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11

Geraniums

These vibrant flowers are known not so much for their color as for their blissful scent. So if you’re looking to add fragrance to your garden, these are a perfect addition.  They’re best in areas with warm, dry days and cool nights.

Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11

Calibrachoas

We promise that planting these flowers is easier than pronouncing their name. A popular flower in hanging baskets, these require regular watering and pinching – in addition to the usual sun and occasional shade – to keep them healthy.

Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11

As the weather gets warmer and you continue to grow to your garden, we hope you enjoy consider these bright flowers and do more research into what makes sense for your hardiness zone. If you need help watering your garden, check out our Rachio smart sprinkler controllers which work to help you find the best watering schedule for your area.

Share your Gifts of the Garden with us using the hashtag #RachioGarden