25 Gorgeous Plants That Bloom in Time for Memorial Day

As Memorial Day nears, many gardeners look for flowers that offer both beauty and meaning. Late spring brings a burst of blooms that brighten outdoor spaces and honor loved ones. Whether you're planting a backyard display or freshening up a front border, choosing the right plants can set the perfect mood for the season. These selections do more than look pretty; they thrive in late May and bring lasting value to your garden. Here are some beautiful options that reach their peak in late May, right when Memorial Day arrives.

1. Peonies

Peonies are a Memorial Day favorite thanks to their big, beautiful blooms. These hardy perennials come back each year and can live for decades. They bloom in late May in most zones, making them a perfect choice for the holiday. Peonies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Their flowers attract pollinators and make great cut arrangements. Keep them supported with rings or stakes, as their large flowers can droop. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

2. Iris (Bearded and Siberian)

Irises bring bold color and elegant shape to spring gardens. Bearded and Siberian types both bloom around Memorial Day in many climates. They thrive in sunny spots and need well-drained soil. Bearded irises like drier conditions, while Siberians can handle more moisture. Their sword-shaped leaves add texture even after blooming. Divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy. Irises are low-maintenance once established.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that blooms in late spring. Its spiky flowers come in purple, blue, pink, and red. These blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Salvias grow best in full sun and poor to average soil. Many varieties begin flowering just in time for Memorial Day. Deadheading helps them bloom longer into the summer. They work well in borders and cottage-style gardens.

4. Dianthus (Pinks)

Dianthus, also known as pinks, offers sweet-smelling blooms and tidy mounds of color. Their flowers often appear in late May, especially in well-drained soils with full sun. The fringed petals come in shades of pink, red, and white. Dianthus prefers cooler weather and may slow down in high heat. Good air circulation helps prevent mildew. These plants are great for edging beds or filling containers.

5. Columbine

Columbine is a native wildflower with bell-shaped blooms that show up just in time for Memorial Day. It grows well in part shade and likes moist but well-drained soil. Its flowers attract hummingbirds and add a woodland feel to gardens. The plant reseeds itself easily without becoming invasive. Columbine can tolerate a variety of conditions and needs little care. Trim back spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

6. Allium

Alliums are ornamental onions that produce large, round blooms on tall stems in late spring. They add height and structure to garden beds. Alliums grow best in full sun with well-drained soil. Their purple or white flower heads also repel pests like deer and rabbits. Plant the bulbs in the fall for Memorial Day blooms. Once established, they come back reliably each year. Let the foliage die back naturally to feed the bulb.

7. Lupines

Lupines are tall, spiky flowers that bring color and vertical interest to spring gardens. They bloom in May across many climates, often just in time for Memorial Day. Lupines like cool weather, full sun, and rich, well-drained soil. Their blooms attract bees and butterflies. These plants fix nitrogen in the soil, making them useful in poor soils. Deadheading can lead to a second round of blooms later in the season.

8. Geranium (Cranesbill)

Cranesbill geraniums are not the same as annual geraniums in pots. These hardy perennials bloom in spring with delicate flowers and lacy leaves. They grow well in sun or partial shade and spread to form a groundcover. Their late-May blooms make them a great filler in garden beds. Cranesbill geraniums are low-maintenance and resist most pests. Shear them back after blooming to encourage fresh growth.

9. Poppies (Oriental and Icelandic)

Poppies bring vivid color to spring gardens and often bloom in late May. Oriental poppies have large, showy flowers, while Icelandic ones are smaller and delicate. Both types need full sun and well-drained soil. Poppies do not like being moved, so plant them where they can stay. Their blooms are short-lived but stunning. Let the seed heads dry for future planting or visual interest.

10. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a cheerful, daisy-like flower that begins blooming around Memorial Day. It thrives in full sun and poor, dry soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Coreopsis adds a long season of color and attracts pollinators. Deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming. It works well in native plant gardens and wildflower meadows.

11. Foxglove

Foxgloves are tall, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Foxgloves attract bees and add height to garden borders. Most varieties are biennials, blooming in their second year, though some newer types bloom the first year. Wear gloves when handling, as all parts are toxic. Let a few plants go to seed to keep them coming back.

12. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is a tough, spreading perennial with soft lavender-blue blooms. It starts flowering in late May and keeps going into summer. Catmint thrives in sun and poor soil. It attracts pollinators but repels deer. Shear it back after the first flush for more blooms. Its soft, gray-green foliage adds contrast to the garden. It works well at the front of borders or along walkways.

13. Roses (Early-blooming varieties like Knock Out or Drift)

Certain types of roses, like Knock Out and Drift, begin blooming right around Memorial Day. These roses are bred for disease resistance and continuous flowering. They like full sun, rich soil, and regular pruning. Start feeding them early in spring to support blooms. Deadheading helps extend their flowering season. These varieties are great for low-maintenance landscapes.

14. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Bleeding hearts are shade-loving perennials with heart-shaped blooms on arching stems. They bloom in May, often just in time for Memorial Day. These plants prefer moist, rich soil and dappled light. Their foliage dies back in summer, so plant near late-bloomers to cover gaps. Bleeding hearts add a soft, romantic feel to woodland gardens. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

15. Clematis (Spring-blooming cultivars)

Some clematis varieties bloom in late spring, adding vertical color just in time for Memorial Day. These vines need full sun on top and cool roots below. Mulch or plant groundcovers at the base. Clematis likes rich, well-drained soil and regular watering. Choose early-blooming types like 'Miss Bateman' or 'Nelly Moser'. Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant.

16. Lilies (Asiatic types)

Asiatic lilies are some of the earliest lilies to bloom and often flower by late May. They come in bright colors and stand tall on sturdy stems. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil. These lilies do not need staking and resist most pests. Mulch helps keep roots cool and moist. Remove faded blooms to focus energy on the bulbs.

17. Yarrow

Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial that starts blooming in late spring. It thrives in full sun and poor, dry soil. Yarrow attracts pollinators and adds a soft, feathery texture. Its flat-topped blooms work well in cutting gardens and wildflower mixes. Deadheading helps prolong the season. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions.

18. Baptisia (False Indigo)

Baptisia is a native perennial that blooms in late May with tall spikes of blue, purple, or yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Baptisia is drought-tolerant once established. It has deep roots, so avoid moving it. The foliage stays attractive all season. This plant supports native bees and adds structure to mixed beds.

19. Campanula (Bellflower)

Campanula, or bellflower, offers bell-shaped blooms in blue, purple, or white. Many varieties bloom in late spring and do well in sun or partial shade. Campanulas like rich, moist soil and good drainage. They can spread easily, so give them space. These flowers attract pollinators and work well in borders and rock gardens. Trim back after flowering to tidy up.

20. Verbena

Verbena is a fast-growing plant that blooms in late May and continues through summer. It likes full sun and well-drained soil. Verbena is heat-tolerant and needs little care once established. Its small flowers grow in clusters and attract butterflies. Use it in containers, hanging baskets, or sunny borders. Deadheading helps maintain its bloom power.

21. Helianthemum (Rock Rose)

Rock rose is a low-growing, sun-loving plant that blooms in late spring. Its papery flowers come in pink, orange, yellow, or white. Helianthemum grows best in sandy or rocky soil with good drainage. It prefers dry conditions and does not like wet feet. This plant works well in rock gardens and slopes. Trim lightly after bloom to keep it compact.

22. Spiderwort (Tradescantia)

Spiderwort blooms in late May with clusters of three-petaled flowers in blue, purple, or pink. It grows in full sun or part shade and likes moist, well-drained soil. The blooms open in the morning and close by afternoon. Spiderwort spreads by clumping and can be divided every few years. It is a good choice for naturalized or informal gardens. Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.

23. Penstemon

Penstemon, also called beardtongue, is a hardy plant that begins blooming in late May. It grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and bees. Penstemon is drought-tolerant and fits well in native or xeric gardens. Avoid rich soil, which can lead to floppy growth. Deadhead for more blooms and better appearance.

24. Sweet William

Sweet William is a biennial or short-lived perennial that blooms in late spring. Its colorful, fragrant clusters attract butterflies and bees. Sweet William grows best in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Plant in fall or early spring for Memorial Day flowers. It reseeds easily to keep coming back. Cut back spent flowers to extend the bloom season.

25. Shasta Daisy (Early-blooming cultivars)

Early varieties of Shasta daisy begin blooming in late May, adding bright white flowers to the garden. These perennials like full sun and well-drained soil. They are easy to grow and do well in borders or as cut flowers. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor. Deadhead for more blooms and tidy plants. Shasta daisies also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Make Your Garden Shine This Memorial Day

Choosing the right plants can make your garden feel fresh, bright, and full of life just in time for Memorial Day. Many of these flowers not only bloom in late May, but they also support pollinators, resist pests, and come back year after year. Whether you want bold colors, gentle pastels, or long-lasting blooms, this list offers something for every garden style. With a little planning, your outdoor space can look its best during this meaningful holiday and well into summer.