May is the perfect time to start planting flowers and bushes in Washington DC. The warmer weather and longer days create ideal conditions for plants to grow and thrive. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which flowers and bushes to plant. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best flowers and bushes to plant in May in Washington DC.
Washington DC is located in USDA hardiness zone 7a, which means that the average minimum winter temperature in the region ranges from 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 degrees Celsius). It is important to choose plants that can survive in this zone to ensure their success in your garden. The flowers and bushes mentioned in this blog post are all suitable for zone 7a, making them an excellent choice for Washington DC gardeners.
Azaleas
Azaleas are a classic flowering bush that is perfect for planting in May. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white, and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Azaleas prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for Washington DC’s climate. Azaleas thrive in partial shade, so it’s essential to choose a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day. They also prefer acidic soil, so it’s important to test your soil’s pH level before planting. If your soil is too alkaline, you may need to amend it with sulfur or peat moss. Azaleas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Azaleas benefit from regular fertilization. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, such as Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Camellias. Apply fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins, and again in late spring or early summer.
Prune Azaleas after they finish blooming in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the shrub as desired. Avoid pruning Azaleas in the fall, as this can remove next year’s flower buds.
Peonies
Peonies are a beautiful flowering plant that blooms in late spring and early summer. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red, and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for Washington DC’s climate.
When planting Peonies, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Mix in some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil texture and drainage. Plant the Peony with the “eyes” (small buds) facing upwards, and cover the roots with soil. Water thoroughly. Peonies prefer consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or as needed to maintain even moisture. Avoid watering the foliage, as this can promote disease.
Peonies benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring, just as new growth appears. Avoid applying fertilizer after mid-June, as this can interfere with flower bud formation. As Peonies grow and bloom, their heavy flowers can cause the stems to bend or break. To prevent this, use stakes or a Peony ring to support the plant. In the fall, after the foliage has died back, cut the stems down to ground level. This helps to prevent disease and encourages healthy growth next season.
Roses
Roses are a classic flowering plant that blooms throughout the summer. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and yellow, and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Roses prefer full sun, so it’s important to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They also need good air circulation to prevent disease, so avoid planting them too close together. Water roses deeply once a week, or as needed to maintain even moisture. Avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can promote disease.
Roses benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, in early spring, just as new growth appears. Apply again in late spring or early summer, and a third time in mid-summer. Prune roses in the early spring, just before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Prune hybrid tea and grandiflora roses to a height of about 18 inches, and floribunda roses to a height of about 24 inches.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a beautiful flowering bush that blooms in the summer. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white, and can grow up to 8 feet tall. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is strongest. They also need well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Hydrangeas grow best when they have regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, in early spring, just as new growth appears. Apply again in mid-summer.
Prune hydrangeas in the early spring, just before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood (such as mophead and lacecap varieties) should be pruned after they bloom, while those that bloom on new wood (such as panicle and smooth hydrangeas) can be pruned in the spring.
The color of some hydrangeas can be changed by altering the soil pH. For example, adding aluminum sulfate to the soil can make pink hydrangeas turn blue, while adding lime can make blue hydrangeas turn pink.
Daylilies
Daylilies are a beautiful flowering plant that blooms throughout the summer. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red, and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for Washington DC’s climate.
When planting daylilies, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball. Mix in some compost or aged manure to improve soil texture and drainage. Place the daylily in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp it down gently. Water thoroughly and as often as needed to maintain even moisture. Daylilies prefer consistent moisture, but not waterlogged soil.
Daylilies are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, applied in early spring, just as new growth appears. Apply again in mid-summer if desired.
It is not uncommon for Daylilies to become overcrowded over time, which can lead to reduced flowering. To maintain healthy plants, divide them every three to four years in the early spring or fall. Dig up the entire clump, separate the individual plants, and replant them at the same depth as they were before. Daylilies are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Butterfly Bushes
Butterfly bushes are a beautiful flowering bush that blooms throughout the summer. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white, and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Butterfly bushes are popular for their ability to attract butterflies. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil and they can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much if they don’t get enough sun.
Like the other plants mentioned, Butterfly bushes prefer consistent moisture, but not waterlogged soil. Water deeply once a week, or as needed to maintain even moisture. They are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, applied in early spring, just as new growth appears. Apply again in mid-summer if desired.
Butterfly bushes can grow quite tall and wide, so pruning is necessary to maintain their shape and size. Prune back the previous year’s growth to a few inches above the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Butterfly bushes are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Need help choosing?
There are many beautiful flowers and bushes to plant in spring in Washington DC. Azaleas, peonies, roses, hydrangeas, daylilies, and butterfly bushes are just a few of the best options to consider. When planting, be sure to consider the specific needs of each plant, including sunlight and soil requirements, to ensure they thrive in your garden. With the right care and attention, your garden will be in full bloom throughout the summer months.
If you want professional help with choosing plants, planting flowers and bushes or just getting a complete landscape design, we can help! Just call Rasevic Landscape Company at 301-951-1244 or fill out the quick form below.
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