Flowers For May And June Planting In The U.S.

May and June are the best times to visit your nearest nursery or garden store, when you can purchase a variety of small plants to enhance the appeal of your garden. These two months are ideal for planting a wide variety of flowers, although those who live in very cold growing regions may find conditions too cold or scorching.

This article will introduce you to a variety of familiar and exotic flowers that will complement beautifully and welcome warm weather and extended daylight hours, creating ideal growing conditions. Whether your goal is to freshen up your outdoor space, create an arrangement of potted plants, or attract beneficial pollinators, there are many flowers to choose from.

Consider traditional favorites like marigolds and zinnias, or more specific options like globe marigolds and love in the mist. Each has the potential to create a captivating display of color and texture, promising a visual spectacle from summer through fall.

These are some of the most common flowers - although favorites of many gardeners around the world - that can be planted in May and June:

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds are a fantastic choice for Zones 2–11 since they are resilient and drought-tolerant, yet they are vulnerable to cold. They prefer cultivation in full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly into the ground in May and June. It is suitable for zones 3-10.

Cosmos (Cosmos spp.): These flowers are excellent for a broad range of zones, including 2-11, and are simple to cultivate and extremely adaptable. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds are drawn to cosmos blooms. They are simple to maintain and often resistant to the majority of pests and illnesses. Deadheading can promote more flowers, but if you want to plant seeds yourself and come back next year, leave some flowers on the plant to mature and seed.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are heat tolerant and can thrive in Zones 2-11. The short varieties can be used in containers or in the foreground of a border, while the tall varieties make strong backgrounds.

Petunia (Petunia spp.): Great for hanging baskets, containers, or as a colorful ground cover, these can be grown in Zones 2-11. Despite their delicate appearance, petunias are very hardy and will provide a full season of color with proper care.

Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): Coneflowers are perennial flowers that can be grown in zones 3 through 9. These plants are known for their ability to attract butterflies. If kept in the fall, the seed heads can also provide food for birds during the winter.

Black-eyed Susan (Rodbeckia herta): Plant these flowers in May and June, and they will bloom in October. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, daisy-like flowers that are generally resistant to pests and diseases. It is a self-seed, which means it can spread throughout your garden and come back year after year. It is suitable for zones 3 through 9.

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus): Snapdragons are annual plants that can thrive in zones 4 through 11. They come in a variety of colors. Tall species may need to be girded to maintain their upright position. It is deer-resistant, so you may want to plant it near plants that deer love.

Begonias (Begonia spp.): These are best for shade and sun depending on the variety. They do well in zones 3 through 11.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.): These flowers are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly into the ground in May and June. It is suitable for Zones 2-11.

Are you looking for unusual flowers to grow?

While marigolds and flowers are lovely, you may want to look for some unusual flowers to plant in May and June. Check out this list:

Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa): This heat-loving annual plant grows in Zones 2-11, producing globe-shaped flowers in bright shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Plant it in full sun, and you can expect it to be about 2 feet tall.

Blanket flower (Gaillardia spp.): Native to North American prairies, this perennial needs full sun and blooms in late spring in Zones 3-10. The flowers are a wonderful mixture of red, orange and yellow. It can reach about three feet in height, so plan accordingly.

Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis): This is a unique, shade-loving perennial that does well in zones 2 through 9 and can grow up to four feet tall. The heart-shaped flowers are quite distinctive, but be careful where you plant them, as they are toxic to humans and animals.

Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena): Suitable for Zones 2-11, this year's has delicate, lace-like leaves and unusual, balloon-shaped seed capsules. It usually grows to about two feet. It should be grown in full sun.

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): This perennial flower is suitable for zones 3-9. It features unique flowers with sharp petals and is an excellent choice for a woodland garden or shady border. It can grow to about 30" tall and 24" wide. Plant it in full sun to partial shade.

Sea Holly (Eryngium): Sea Holly's planting zones are a little more restricted, but so many gardeners love the blue flowers that I thought I'd add to this list. It is a unique plant with bright blue or silver flowers. It is very hardy and can be grown in Zones 4-9.