When Memorial Day is just around the corner, many gardeners are eager to refresh their yards with beautiful flowers that bloom fast and stay strong. The good news is, there are plenty of colorful plants that can grow and blossom in just a few short weeks. Whether you are working with sunny spots, shady corners, or container gardens, the right choices can make a big impact. These plants are easy to care for, and many even help support bees and butterflies. If you are planting now, these blooming beauties can be in full show by the end of May.
1. Petunias
Petunias are popular for their bright colors and long blooming season. These annuals grow quickly and can be planted as soon as the threat of frost is over. They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. With regular watering and deadheading, they will bloom non-stop until fall. Petunias are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds. Choose from trailing or upright types depending on your space. Their fast growth makes them an excellent choice for a quick garden refresh.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are hardy annuals that can handle a wide range of conditions. They grow quickly from seed or starter plants and bloom in bright shades of yellow, orange, and red. These flowers love full sun and need well-draining soil. Marigolds are great at keeping pests like aphids and beetles away. Planting them in early spring will give you full blooms by Memorial Day. They work well in borders, vegetable gardens, or containers.
3. Zinnias
Zinnias are fast-growing flowers that love heat and sun. These annuals can be started from seed right in the garden after the last frost. They bloom quickly and keep flowering into fall with regular care. Zinnias come in many colors and shapes, adding bold style to garden beds or pots. They also attract butterflies, which helps pollinate other plants. With warm soil and steady watering, they will bloom by the end of May.
4. Salvia
Salvia is a hardy bloomer that thrives in sunny spots. It comes in many colors, with blue and purple being most common. This drought-tolerant plant grows quickly once temperatures rise. Salvia is also known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It can be planted as soon as the soil warms up in spring. With well-drained soil and full sun, it will be in bloom by Memorial Day.
5. Geraniums
Geraniums are classic garden plants known for their bright, round flower clusters. These sun-loving annuals do best in containers or flower beds with rich, well-drained soil. They should be planted after the last frost and will bloom steadily with regular deadheading. Geraniums are easy to care for and hold up well in heat. Their blooms will be full and colorful by late May, making them perfect for Memorial Day displays.
6. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa, often called Million Bells, looks like a tiny petunia but blooms even more. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over pots. They love full sun and need consistent watering. Calibrachoa is fast-growing and starts blooming soon after planting. If you start with healthy transplants, you can expect blooms by Memorial Day. These flowers come in many bright colors and require little maintenance beyond regular water and light feeding.
7. Lantana
Lantana is a tough plant that grows well in heat and sun. It has small clusters of flowers that change color as they age. Lantana attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. It grows fast in well-drained soil and can be used in both beds and containers. When planted in early spring, it will bloom in time for Memorial Day.
8. Impatiens
Impatiens are great for shady spots that need a splash of color. These fast-growing annuals bloom in soft pinks, purples, reds, and whites. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and do not like direct sun. Impatiens are perfect for containers, window boxes, or under trees. With steady watering and warm temperatures, they will be blooming by late May. Keep them protected from cool nights to ensure strong growth.
9. Verbena
Verbena is a sun-loving plant that offers clusters of tiny blooms in bright colors. It is drought-tolerant once established and works well in hanging baskets, ground cover, or garden beds. Verbena grows quickly from transplants and starts blooming soon after planting. It needs full sun and good air circulation to stay healthy. Plant it in spring, and you will have blooms by Memorial Day that last all summer.
10. Begonias
Begonias are versatile flowers that grow well in both sun and partial shade. They have waxy leaves and bright blooms in red, pink, white, and yellow. Begonias do best in moist, well-drained soil and need regular watering. They are often used in containers or shady garden beds. These plants grow quickly and can start blooming within a few weeks of planting. With proper care, they will look full and colorful by Memorial Day.
11. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a cheerful perennial that produces bright yellow or orange flowers. It grows well in full sun and tolerates poor soil. Coreopsis blooms quickly in spring and keeps going through summer if deadheaded. It is a low-maintenance plant that spreads easily. Starting from nursery plants in early spring will give you blooms by Memorial Day. It also attracts pollinators and fits well in cottage-style gardens.
12. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia, also called Blanket Flower, adds warmth with its red and yellow blooms. This perennial thrives in sunny spots with dry, sandy soil. It starts blooming soon after planting and will flower into the fall. Gaillardia is heat- and drought-tolerant, which makes it a great pick for low-care landscapes. Plant it in early spring and you’ll see blooms by late May. Butterflies love this flower, too.
13. Daylilies
Daylilies are reliable perennials that bring bold color to garden beds. Each bloom lasts just one day, but the plants produce many flowers over time. Daylilies grow well in full sun to part shade and adapt to many soil types. Planting established clumps in early spring ensures flowers by Memorial Day. These plants also multiply year after year, making them a long-term garden favorite.
14. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are hardy perennials known for their daisy-like shape and strong stems. They bloom in purple, pink, white, and more. These plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Coneflowers are great for attracting birds and pollinators. While they bloom most heavily in summer, planting mature plants in spring can lead to early flowering by late May. They are tough, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow.
15. Shasta Daisies
Shasta Daisies are classic white flowers with sunny yellow centers. These perennials bloom in late spring and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Shasta Daisies grow best from divisions or container plants rather than seed. With early planting, you can enjoy their clean, bright flowers around Memorial Day. They pair well with other garden perennials and add a timeless look.
16. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia, also called Black-eyed Susan, features golden petals and dark centers. This tough perennial loves full sun and tolerates drought once established. Rudbeckia can bloom in late spring if planted early. It is best to start with young plants rather than seeds for faster blooms. These flowers attract bees and butterflies and make great cut flowers for vases.
17. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy plant with feathery leaves and flat-topped flower clusters. It blooms in yellow, pink, white, or red and does best in full sun. Yarrow grows fast and thrives in poor, dry soil. It is also deer-resistant and a favorite of pollinators. With early planting in spring, yarrow can begin blooming by late May. It works well in borders, meadows, and rock gardens.
18. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is a native perennial that adds color and supports pollinators. Its spiky flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, and purple. Bee Balm prefers moist soil and full to part sun. It can spread quickly, so give it space to grow. Planting established clumps in early spring can bring blooms by Memorial Day. Hummingbirds and bees love this plant, making it great for a lively garden.
19. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a fragrant, low-growing plant with soft lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and needs very little care. Catmint blooms early and often, with flowers that appear in late spring. Start with nursery plants for a faster show of color. It attracts pollinators and pairs nicely with roses and other perennials. Trim it back after flowering to encourage more blooms.
20. Lavender
Lavender is known for its calming scent and pretty purple spikes. It grows best in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Lavender is slow to start from seed, so plant mature transplants in spring. With early planting, some varieties can start blooming by Memorial Day. Lavender works well in borders, rock gardens, or as a hedge. It also attracts bees and resists deer.
21. Columbine
Columbine blooms in early spring with delicate, bell-shaped flowers. It grows in part shade and well-drained soil. Columbine self-seeds, so it will return year after year. These flowers are perfect for woodland or cottage gardens. If planted early or already established, they will bloom in time for Memorial Day. Their unique shape draws hummingbirds and adds charm to any space.
22. Astilbe
Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial with soft, feathery flower plumes. It thrives in moist, rich soil and grows well under trees or along shady borders. Astilbe comes in pink, white, red, and purple shades. Plant it early in spring for Memorial Day blooms, especially if using well-rooted plants. Keep the soil damp for best growth. Its texture and form add elegance to garden designs.
23. Dianthus
Dianthus produces frilly flowers in pink, red, white, or bicolor patterns. It has a sweet scent and grows well in sun to partial shade. Dianthus prefers cool weather, so it blooms early and can be ready by late May. These plants need well-drained soil and benefit from deadheading. Dianthus works well as a border, in containers, or in rock gardens.
24. Balloon Flower
Balloon Flowers get their name from their round buds that pop open into star-shaped blooms. They are reliable perennials that like sun to part shade. These plants grow best in loose, well-drained soil. Planting them early in spring helps them bloom by Memorial Day. They are slow starters but return reliably each year. Their shape adds something fun and different to flower beds.
25. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Butterfly Bush is a fast-growing shrub that attracts butterflies, as the name suggests. It blooms in long spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers. Butterfly Bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil. When planted early from established nursery stock, it can bloom by late May in warmer zones. Prune it in early spring to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. It makes a bold and beneficial addition to any sunny yard.
Bright Blooms, Just in Time
With the right mix of quick-growing flowers and well-timed planting, your yard can burst into color just in time for Memorial Day. From bold petunias to cheerful daisies, each plant on this list has what it takes to shine by late May. Many of them also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding even more life to your garden. Whether you prefer low-maintenance choices or blooms that thrive in shade, there is something here for every kind of space. Get those hands in the dirt now, and enjoy a yard full of vibrant blooms when the holiday weekend arrives.