Top Plant Picks May 2021
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.
Mexican Butterfly Weed (Asclepias curassavica)
Bloom 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
Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in Purple’)
Bloom 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 Garden
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Golden Torch’)
Bloom 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 Garden
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’)
Bloom 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 Garden
Fuzzy Deutzia (Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’)
Bloom 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 Garden
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Bloom 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 Garden
Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)
Bloom 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 Garden
American Ipecac (Gillenia stipulate)
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 Garden
