Late May Blooms That Steal the Show (And the Pollinators)

Bee Balm (Monarda) – The Life of the Garden Party

Bee balm is anything but shy. These spiky, firework-shaped flowers bring texture, color, and fragrance to beds and borders, with deep reds, pinks, and purples that catch both your eye and a hummingbird’s in a heartbeat. Their minty foliage is also deer-resistant, making them a smart choice for more rural or wooded areas.

Best planted with: Salvia and yarrow for a pollinator buffet.

Salvia – Tall, Bold, and Buzz-Worthy

When you want height, color, and non-stop blooms, salvia delivers. Its tall spires of violet, blue, or deep pink flowers offer visual interest and long-lasting blooms that hummingbirds and bees adore. It thrives in sunny spots and comes back stronger each year with just a little deadheading.

Garden bonus: The more you cut, the more it blooms.

Coreopsis – Bright and Breezy

If your garden needs a cheerful pick-me-up, coreopsis is here to do the job. These sunny, daisy-like flowers are tough as nails and bloom in golden yellows, tangerines, and soft pinks. They’re a great option for borders or containers and thrive even in dry, sandy soil.

Why pollinators love them: Their open centers make nectar easy to access.

Yarrow (Achillea) – A Wildflower Classic

Yarrow’s flat flower clusters provide the perfect landing pad for butterflies, while its ferny foliage adds a touch of wild charm to any garden. It’s a go-to for hot, dry spots and looks especially stunning mixed with ornamental grasses and upright perennials like salvia.

Added perk: Once it’s established, yarrow practically takes care of itself.

Hydrangeas – Big Blooms, Big Impact

Late May is when many hydrangeas start waking up, especially varieties like panicle and smooth hydrangeas. Their oversized flower clusters bring softness and structure to garden beds, with colors that shift from creamy white to soft pink or lime green as the season progresses. They also make fantastic cut flowers for arrangements.

A pollinator bonus: While not all hydrangea varieties are pollinator-friendly, lacecap and panicle types tend to attract more beneficial insects.

Lantana – Bright, Bold, and Butterfly-Approved

Lantana thrives in heat and humidity and delivers clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers that constantly change color as they mature. From bright pink and yellow to orange and red, these blooms are a butterfly’s dream. Great for containers, garden beds, or hanging baskets.

Tough as nails: Lantana keeps going through the dog days of summer and doesn’t mind poor soil.

Late May is a peak moment for planting with pollinators in mind. Choose a mix of bloom shapes and heights, include native varieties, and skip the pesticides to create a safe, thriving space for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!