Seasonal Color: Choosing the Right Plants for May

As spring transitions into summer, Florida landscapes burst with potential for vibrant, eye-catching color. May is an excellent time to refresh planting beds, add seasonal flowers, and introduce heat-tolerant plants that will thrive throughout the warmer months. However, selecting the right plants is essential—especially in Florida’s climate, where intense sun, occasional heavy rains, and periods of drought can challenge even the healthiest landscapes.

For property managers, HOAs, and community landscapes, the right seasonal color strategy balances beauty with sustainability. By choosing Florida-friendly, drought-resistant plants and following best practices for planting and care, you can create a landscape that remains lush and colorful all season long.

Best Plants for May Landscapes

May marks the beginning of rising temperatures in Florida, so it’s crucial to choose plants that can handle heat while continuing to provide stunning seasonal color. The following flowers, shrubs, and perennials thrive in late spring and summer, making them perfect choices for landscapes that need a refresh.

1. Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

• Why Choose It? Pentas bloom profusely in warm weather and are a favorite of butterflies and pollinators. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun and water regularly until established. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage continuous flowering.

2. Lantana (Lantana camara)

• Why Choose It? This hardy, drought-tolerant plant produces bright clusters of flowers in orange, yellow, pink, and purple. It thrives in hot, sunny locations and requires little maintenance.
• Care Tips: Allow soil to dry between waterings. Lantana benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a neat shape.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Why Choose It? Salvia’s tall spikes of blue, red, or purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also highly drought-tolerant.
• Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil and provide occasional pruning to encourage new blooms.

4. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

• Why Choose It? This heat-loving plant features small, vibrant flowers in pink, orange, yellow, and red. As a succulent, it requires minimal water and thrives in full sun.
• Care Tips: Water sparingly and plant in sandy or well-draining soil for best results.

5. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

• Why Choose It? As Florida’s state wildflower, coreopsis is a reliable bloomer with cheerful yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.
• Care Tips: This plant thrives in sandy soils and requires minimal watering once established.

6. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

• Why Choose It? This climbing vine or shrub produces a cascade of colorful bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. It is highly heat-tolerant and can add a dramatic touch to any landscape.
• Care Tips: Requires full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning to shape growth.

7. Caladiums (Caladium spp.)

• Why Choose It? These tropical plants offer stunning foliage in shades of red, pink, white, and green. They thrive in shaded areas, making them ideal for filling garden beds under trees.
• Care Tips: Keep soil consistently moist and avoid direct sun, as caladiums prefer partial to full shade.

8. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)

• Why Choose It? Zinnias provide continuous, bright blooms that withstand high heat and humidity. They are an easy-to-grow annual that adds color to beds and borders.
• Care Tips: Plant in full sun, water moderately, and deadhead to encourage repeat blooming.

Seasonal Planting Tips for Vibrant Color

Planting and maintaining seasonal color requires more than just selecting the right plants—it also involves proper soil preparation, watering, and strategic placement. Follow these best practices to maximize the beauty and longevity of your landscape.

1. Select Drought-Tolerant Varieties

Florida’s May climate can be unpredictable, with both dry spells and heavy rains. Choosing drought-resistant plants ensures that landscapes remain colorful without excessive water usage. Look for options like lantana, purslane, and salvia, which require minimal irrigation.

2. Prepare the Soil Properly

Healthy soil leads to healthy plants. Florida’s naturally sandy soil drains quickly, which can be beneficial but may also require enrichment. Add organic compost, mulch, or peat moss to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.

3. Mulch to Conserve Moisture

A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps keep soil cool, prevents rapid evaporation, and suppresses weeds. Organic mulches, such as pine bark or cypress mulch, are ideal for flower beds and planting areas.

4. Water Wisely

Newly planted flowers and shrubs need regular watering until they establish strong root systems. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal issues. Water deeply in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and encourage deep root growth.

5. Group Plants by Water and Sunlight Needs

To maximize irrigation efficiency and prevent over- or under-watering, plant species with similar water requirements together. Place sun-loving plants in areas that receive full sun and shade-tolerant plants under trees or near buildings.

6. Deadhead and Prune for Continuous Blooms

Many seasonal flowers, including zinnias and pentas, benefit from deadheading (removing faded flowers) to encourage repeat blooming. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and prevent overcrowding.

Florida-Friendly Plants for Spring Gardens

Florida’s warm climate allows for a diverse selection of plants that bloom beautifully in late spring and summer. To keep landscapes colorful while reducing maintenance, consider incorporating these Florida-friendly options:

• Native Perennials: Coneflowers, blanket flowers, and beach sunflowers are excellent choices that require little care.
• Ornamental Grasses: Muhly grass and fountain grass add texture and visual interest while withstanding heat and drought.
• Shade-Tolerant Options: Caladiums and coleus are perfect for brightening up shaded garden beds with their bold, colorful foliage.

By choosing Florida-friendly plants, HOAs and property managers can create eye-catching landscapes that require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.

Refresh Your Landscape with Expert Planting Services

Adding seasonal color is one of the easiest ways to enhance curb appeal and create inviting outdoor spaces. Whether you need a fresh flower installation, drought-tolerant plant selections, or expert landscaping care, Estate Landscaping is here to help.

Call us at 239-498-1187 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation and give your property a vibrant seasonal refresh!