Best Plants to buy in May

Plants to Buy in May – Fill Your Garden with Summer Colour

May is one of the best months of the year for planting. The risk of frost is fading, temperatures are rising, and it’s time to fill your garden, patio, and baskets with colour that will last all summer.

From bold begonias and vibrant geraniums to elegant penstemons, herbs, and trailing basket plants — everything is ready to plant and grow.

Shop now and create a garden that’s full, colourful, and thriving in just weeks.

What to plant in May
Begonias – Perfect for long-lasting colour in pots and baskets
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) – Bright, reliable and ideal for sunny spots
Salvia – Pollinator-friendly plants with striking flower spikes
Penstemon – Elegant, cottage garden favourites that flower for months
Hanging basket plants – Trailing varieties for instant impact
Herbs – Easy to grow and perfect for summer cooking

May is your moment — plant now for a garden that looks incredible all summer long.

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What plants should you buy and plant in May?

May is when the gardening season really gets going. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and minimal frost risk in most areas, it’s the perfect time to plant a wide range of bedding plants, perennials, and herbs directly outside.

Plants established in May grow quickly, flower sooner, and create fuller displays — making it one of the most rewarding months to plant.

Why May is the ideal time to plant

By May, soil temperatures have increased and light levels are high, giving plants everything they need to establish fast.

This makes it the perfect time to:

Plant summer bedding with confidence
Fill hanging baskets and containers
Add structure and colour to borders
Grow herbs for regular harvesting
Create instant impact in your garden

With the right plants, you can go from empty pots to a garden full of colour in just a few weeks.

Best plants to buy in May
Begonias

Begonias are a summer essential, known for their continuous colour and low maintenance. Ideal for pots, baskets, and shaded areas, they’ll keep flowering right through to autumn.

Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

A go-to for sunny displays, pelargoniums provide bold, vibrant flowers and excellent drought tolerance. Perfect for containers, window boxes, and bedding.

Salvia

Salvias bring height, structure, and pollinator appeal to the garden. Their vibrant spikes of flowers are loved by bees and continue for months with minimal care.

Penstemon

Penstemons are a fantastic choice for borders, producing elegant, tubular flowers over a long season. They add a relaxed, cottage garden feel and work beautifully alongside other summer perennials.

Hanging basket plants

Now is the time to plant up your baskets properly. Trailing varieties will quickly establish and create full, cascading displays that last all summer.

Herbs

Warm conditions make May ideal for planting herbs. Basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, and parsley will all thrive, giving you fresh flavour just outside your door.

Top tips for planting in May
Plant with confidence – Frost risk is much lower, especially later in the month
Water well after planting – Helps roots establish quickly
Feed regularly – Especially for baskets and containers
Deadhead flowers – Encourages more blooms over a longer period
Give plants space – Helps airflow and prevents overcrowding
Create your summer garden now

May is when everything comes together. The earlier you plant, the sooner your garden will be full of colour, scent, and life.

Explore the full range of plants to buy in May and start building a garden that looks its best all summer long.