May is a pivotal month in the garden. Shrubs burst into bloom, adding structure, fragrance, and vibrant colour to outdoor spaces. Here’s a selection of standout shrubs that thrive in May, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.
Ceanothus offers vibrant blue flowers in May, providing a valuable nectar source for pollinators. This evergreen shrub prefers a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for hedging or wall training
Flowers: May – June (depending on variety, varieties such as ‘Puget Blue’ start flowering in April, and others flower for longer than June)
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 3m (depending on variety)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L, 20L + (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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A compact shrub with silver foliage and silky white flowers, perfect for hot, dry borders. Its neat dome shape suits pots and gravel gardens.
Flowers: May – July
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 0.6m
Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L (subject to availability)
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Also known as flowering quince, these spiny shrubs flower from early spring into May with vibrant blooms on bare stems. Great against walls or as informal hedges.
Flowers: March – May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2.5m
Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 3LD, 5L (subject to availability)
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Evergreen shrubs with glossy foliage and fragrant white star-shaped flowers in May (with a second flush possible later). Loved for structure and scent.
Flowers: May (often have a second flush in summer)
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2.5m
Soil: Moderately fertile,well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L (subject to availability)
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Valued for flowers in spring and coloured stems in winter, Cornus is a reliable shrub for all-year interest.
Flowers: May – June
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2.5m
Soil: Any moderately fertile soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L (subject to availability)
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Compact, bushy shrubs that produce clouds of small, pink or white flowers in late spring. Great for mixed borders.
Flowers: April – June
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 1m
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Tough and reliable, these evergreen shrubs offer foliage colour and texture year-round with subtle spring flowers.
Flowers: May- June
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 1m (depending on the variety)
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L , 5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Known as the pearl bush, this deciduous shrub dazzles with cascades of white flowers in late spring.
Flowers: April – May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2m
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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This cheerful shrub is covered in bright yellow, pom-pom flowers in spring. Perfect for informal, wildlife-friendly spaces.
Flowers: March-May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2m
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Large, fragrant blooms on bare branches make magnolias a showpiece in spring. Best in sheltered spots with acidic soil.
Flowers: March-May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 6m
Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
Pot size: 3L, 5L 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Elegant evergreens with glossy leaves and sweetly scented white flowers. Ideal for structure and hedging.
Flowers: April-May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3m
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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A floriferous, low-maintenance shrub blooming for months. Compact and colourful — ideal for small spaces or mass planting.
Flowers: May – October
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 1m depending on the variety
Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 7.5L, 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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A prickly evergreen with creamy spring flowers followed by colourful berries in autumn. Excellent for wildlife and security.
Flowers: May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3m depending on the variety
Soil: any fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 3LD, 5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Loved for red spring growth, bell-like white flowers, and evergreen foliage. Needs acidic soil to thrive.
Flowers: April – May
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 3m depending on the variety
Soil: any fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Showy evergreen shrubs that bloom in May with spectacular flowers in every shade. Best in acidic, humus-rich soil.
Flowers: May – June
Position: Full sun – Partial shade
Height: Up to 2.5m depending on the variety
Soil:Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
Pot size: 3L, 5L, 7.5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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This flowering currant bursts with scented pink blooms in early spring, attracting bees and birds alike.
Flowers: April – May
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 3m depending on the variety
Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 2LD, 3L, 3LD, 5L, 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Aromatic, evergreen, and edible! Rosemary blooms in late spring and thrives in dry, sunny spots.
Flowers: May-June
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 2m depending on the variety
Soil: well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Lilacs are classic late-spring shrubs with fragrant clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers. Stunning in full bloom.
Flowers: May-June
Position: Full sun
Height: Up to 4m depending on the variety
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L, 12L, 20L + (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Bushy and floriferous, Weigela produces masses of tubular flowers in May that attract pollinators. Great in mixed borders.
Flowers: May-June
Position: Full sun – partial shade
Height: Up to 2.5m depending on the variety
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pot size: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L (depending on variety and subject to availability)
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Layering: Combine shrubs of varying heights and bloom times to create depth and continuous interest.
Companion Planting: Pair flowering shrubs with perennials and groundcovers that complement their colours and textures.
Wildlife Support: Choose shrubs that provide nectar, pollen, or shelter to support local biodiversity.
Maintenance: Regular pruning and deadheading can prolong blooming periods and maintain plant health.
Posted 17th May 11:21am
