May – Our Expert’s Picks for Your Garden

We are already halfway through May and gardens across the UK are bursting into life, bringing a stunning tapestry of colours, textures, and fragrances. This month, our horticultural experts have handpicked five standout plants that will bring beauty and character to your garden. From the cascading elegance of Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’ to the striking hues of Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’, these plants are sure to captivate and inspire. Here’s a closer look at our favourite plant picks for May.

Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’ – Cascading clouds of white

For a romantic and elegant display, Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’ offers a unique twist on the classic shrub. Unlike traditional types, it flowers not just at the tips but along the length of each arching stem, creating a waterfall of pristine white flowers from late spring through summer. Its compact size makes it a superb choice for containers, borders, or even as a feature in a small garden.

Why We Recommend It: This showstopper offers something genuinely different. It’s low-maintenance, prolific flowering  and ideal for softening garden edges or brightening a shady corner. It looks just as good in a pot as it does in the ground.

Pair it with soft pastel plants like a pale pink Astrantia for a dreamy, romantic palette.

Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ – A dramatic summer spectacle

If you’re after a bold impact, Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ doesn’t disappoint. Its bi-coloured flowers – deep blue fading to white at the tips – resemble tiny bursts of summer fireworks, held aloft on tall, elegant stems. Flowering from midsummer, this hardy perennial brings structure and drama to borders and containers alike.

Why We Recommend It: Loved by pollinators and low on maintenance, this Agapanthus thrives in sunny spots and copes well with dry conditions once established. It’s a true centrepiece that keeps giving, year after year.

Combine it with ornamental grasses like Stipa or airy plants Verbena bonariensis for movement and contrast.

Eryngium ‘Magical Blue Globe’ – Sculptural, striking and bee-friendly

With its spiky texture and steely blue colour, Eryngium ‘Magical Blue Globe’ is a plant that brings bold, architectural form to sunny borders. Its globe-like flowers are long-lasting, both in the garden and in dried arrangements, while its jagged foliage adds texture beneath.

Why We Recommend It: Eryngium is not only drought-tolerant but also a magnet for bees and butterflies. It’s great for hot, dry spots and pairs well with soft, romantic roses for a touch of contrast and a modern feel.

Try it with soft pink roses or grasses for a combination that’s both wild and elegant.

Stipa Tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ – Light and graceful movement

This fine-leaved ornamental grass brings a soft, flowing quality to any planting scheme. Stipa Tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ catches the breeze beautifully, its silvery-green plumes creating motion and light in sunny borders. It’s one of the most graceful grasses you can grow and looks wonderful right through the year.

Why We Recommend It: Easy-going and drought-resistant, this grass is brilliant for adding texture without bulk. It works in formal or informal gardens and shines when planted en masse.

Use it alongside upright perennial plants like Echinacea (in stock soon) for a balanced and textural planting mix

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Improved – Fragrance and form in perfect harmony

A timeless garden favourite, Lavender ‘Hidcote’ is prized for its deep violet-blue flowers, dense shape, and soothing scent. This English lavender is excellent for edging paths, filling containers, or creating low hedges. It flowers from mid to late summer and attracts a steady stream of bees and butterflies.

Why We Recommend It: It’s a classic for good reason – neat, aromatic, and enduring. ‘Hidcote’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s a breeze to maintain with just a light prune after flowering.

Pair it with plants like Coreopsis Nepeta, or fragrant Roses for a border full of colour and scent.

Whether you’re inspired by RHS garden trends or the laid-back planting styles showcased on Gardeners’ World, these expert picks for May will bring together structure, colour, and pollinator-friendly appeal to your outdoor space.

Visit our website to see our full range of plants including  Perennials, Shrubs, and Roses

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