We’re gearing up for summer, and so are our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for May.Bloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Small native bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Tree root competition
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Delicate flower. The powdered roots were used as a laxative by Native Americans.
Zones: 4 – 8
Location: Howe GardenBloom Time: April – June
Sun Requirement: Part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees & hummingbirds
Tolerates: Shade
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Evergreen shrub. Performs best growing in acidic soil with afternoon shade.
Zones: 4 – 8
Location: Carell Dogwood GardenBloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium – wet
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Heavy shade
Native to North America: Yes
Other: Showy, fragrant blooms. Excellent and extended fall color.
Zones: 5 – 9
Location: The Carell Trail, Weaver Walk, Bracken Foundation Children’s GardenBloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Full sun -part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Alkaline soil
Native to North America: No
Other: Fragrant blooms. Excellent use as an informal hedge or woodland edge component.
Zones: 5 – 8
Location: Carell Dogwood GardenBloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Native to North America: No
Other: Small tree, reaching only 12 – 15 feet tall. Resistant to dogwood anthracnose.
Zones: 5 – 8
Location: Carell Dogwood GardenBloom Time: April – May
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Birds
Tolerates: Deer & drought
Native to North America: No
Other: Vibrant chartreuse foliage. Berries appear in late fall, giving winter color in the garden.
Zones: 4 – 8
Location: Turner Seasons GardenBloom Time: May – June
Sun Requirement: Part shade – full shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies & Moths
Tolerates: Deer & Rabbits
Native to North America: No
Other: This cultivar is a compact form of the species. Seed heads also provide interest after the flowers have faded.
Zones: 4 – 8
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s GardenBloom Time: May – July
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Deer
Native to North America: Yes, native to Mexico
Other: Attractive element for flower arrangements. Wear gloves when handling as the milky sap can be toxic to skin.
Zones: 9 – 11
Location: Wills Perennial Garden