Shrubs that look good in May
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Monday, 17 May 2021 at 8:00 am
Discover five shrubs to grow for fantastic May flowers and foliage.
Save
- Share on facebook
- Share on twitter
- Share on pinterest
- Share on whatsapp
- Share on blogger
- Email to a friend
With temperatures increasing in May, many shrubs are coming into blossom and leaf. Bridging the gap between spring and summer, many of them fill the garden with heady fragrance and colourful foliage.
Ad
Some of the shrubs flowering at this time of year, such as deutzia, weigela and lilac, flower on growth made the previous year. This means they're best pruned right after flowering, to ensure you're not removing new growth that will bear next year's blooms.
Also known as Carolina allspice, Calycanthus have stunning flowers that are almost a cross between magnolia and water lily.
Related content
- Plant types that can be pruned in winter
- Eight reasons to prune in summer
- What to plant in May
We list five shrubs that look good in May, below.
Deutzia
Pale pink deutzia flowers
Many deutzias are awash with flowers in May, including Deutzia gracilis and Deutzia pulchra. Prune them after flowering to encourage strong new growth that will flower next year.
Rhododendron
Masses of crimson blooms on a rhododendron
These standout shrubs are available in a huge range of colours. Groups of mature rhododendrons look spectacular when they come into bloom in April and May.
Viburnum plicatum
Crinkled leaves and white flowers of viburnum
An attractive shrub with interesting crinkled-looking leaves and panicles of flowers arranged in loose layers. Cultivars to grow include Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii', which has distinctly veined leaves.
Cornus
White flowers on bronzed dogwood foliage
Many flowering dogwoods will be coming into bloom in May. This includes the wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa), pictured, as well as other species like Cornus florida and Cornus canadensis.
Calycanthus 'Hartlage Wine'
Showy, burgundy blooms of Carolina allspice
Ad
Also known as Carolina allspice, Calycanthus have stunning flowers that look like a cross between magnolia and water lily blooms. Calycanthus 'Hartlage Wine' has deep burgundy flowers and cinnamon-scented foliage.
Shrubs to prune in spring
Loading...
Ad
Ad
Don't miss out this Winter
Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99
Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox
Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...
Loading...