Spring in Colorado is a special kind of magic. After months of dry winds and the occasional surprise April snowstorm, May brings that long-awaited green blush to the landscape—and it’s the perfect time to dig in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just planting your first patch, knowing what thrives in Colorado’s unique climate makes all the difference. Here’s your guide to annuals, perennials, and native blooms that are ready to be planted now.

Annuals vs. Perennials

Annuals bloom for one growing season and then call it quits, but they tend to bring the biggest color punch. These are perfect for window boxes, borders, and garden beds that you like to switch up year-to-year.

Perennials, on the other hand, come back year after year—great for low-maintenance gardeners or anyone looking to build a lasting landscape. You plant them once, and they return, stronger and fuller each spring.

Both have a place in a Colorado garden, especially when you consider our high elevation, variable weather, and shorter growing season.

Annuals to Plant in Early May

Once the threat of frost has passed (usually by Mother’s Day on the Front Range), you can confidently start planting annuals. Here are a few that handle Colorado’s sun and soil like champs:

• Marigolds – Hardy, pest-resistant, and excellent for vegetable garden borders.
• Zinnias – Bright, cheerful, and perfect for pollinators.
• Cosmos – Delicate-looking but tough; thrives in poor soil and full sun.
• Petunias – Great for hanging baskets and come in a rainbow of colors.
• Snapdragons – Cool-weather lovers that bloom early and can even survive light frosts.

Pro tip: Give these flowers a boost with well-draining soil and a layer of mulch to retain moisture in Colorado’s dry heat.

Perennials That Love Colorado

Colorado perennials need to handle dry spells, strong sun, and sudden shifts in weather. These ones do it beautifully:

• Echinacea (Coneflower) – Drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and hardy across much of the state.
• Black-Eyed Susan – Bold yellow blooms that return each year and attract bees and butterflies.
• Russian Sage – Silvery foliage with long-lasting purple blooms; thrives in dry conditions.
• Salvia – Long bloom time, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant.
• Daylilies – Practically indestructible and bloom profusely in summer.

Plant perennials in early May while the soil is moist and cool—they’ll settle in before the summer heat ramps up.

Go Native: Colorado-Born Beauties

Native plants are always a good idea. They’re adapted to Colorado’s soil, climate, and wildlife, so they require less water and maintenance. Plus, they support local pollinators and birds.

Here are a few standout natives to plant now:

• Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea) – Colorado’s state flower! Prefers part shade and blooms early summer.
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) – Vivid, daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer and love the sun.
• Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) – A soft, airy plant with sky-blue flowers that thrives in poor soil.
• Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) – Spiky purple blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist.
• Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) – Unique “Mexican hat” shape; great for naturalized spaces and meadows.

Native plants can be tricky to find in big box stores—check your local nursery or native plant sales for the best selection.

Final Tips for May Planting in Colorado

• Watch the weather. Even in May, sneaky cold nights can happen—keep frost cloth on hand just in case.
• Water wisely. Early morning watering is best. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems.
• Mulch up. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds down.
• Start slow. If you’re new to gardening, choose just a few plants to begin. Native and perennial mixes are especially forgiving.

Whether you’re filling your front yard with pollinator favorites or tucking a few blooms into containers on your balcony, May is the time to start. Let your garden reflect the wild beauty of Colorado—and watch it return the favor year after year.

Happy planting!