Drumstick
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
The Drumstick plant, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a fast-growing, flowering tree native to the Indian subcontinent but now…
What to plant in May in zone 8
Dates assume zone 8's average last spring frost (around Mar 20) and first autumn frost (around Nov 15). Frost dates vary within a zone, so adjust for your own.
29 plants
Sow outdoors
Forget-me-not
- Apr 3 – May 21
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Forget-me-nots, belonging to the genus Myosotis, are charming perennial and annual plants known for their small, vibrant blue flowers…
Foxglove
- Mar 20 – May 21
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Common foxglove is a striking flowering plant with tall, upright spikes of tubular, bell-shaped blooms. The flowers are usually purple or…
Malanga
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Part sun
- High water
- Zones 10–11
Malanga, also known as taro or yautía, is a starchy root vegetable belonging to the family Araceae. It is native to tropical regions…
Papaya
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–12
Papaya is a fast-growing, short-lived tropical plant cultivated chiefly for its sweet fruit. Although it looks like a small tree, its…
White Rice
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Full sun
- High water
The White Rice plant, scientifically known as Oryza sativa, is a staple food crop predominantly cultivated in warm and humid regions…
Yam
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–12
Yam is a versatile tuberous plant belonging to the genus Dioscorea, with various species cultivated across the world, especially in…
Plant out
Bird of Paradise
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 9.5–11
The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a striking tropical plant native to South Africa, known for its unique, vibrant flowers that…
Cassava
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–12
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a tropical root vegetable native to South America. It is a perennial shrub that typically grows between 1…
Cork Kauri
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
The Cork Kauri, or Agathis australis, is a large evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Renowned for its majestic stature, the Cork Kauri…
Cork Monkey Puzzle
- Mar 20 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–9
The Cork Monkey Puzzle plant, also known scientifically as Araucaria araucana, is a unique conifer native to the southern Andes of Chile…
Date Palm
- Apr 3 – May 21
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 9–11
The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a tall, flowering plant native to the Middle East and North Africa, valued primarily for its sweet…
Fothergilla
- Mar 20 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Fothergilla is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, commonly known for its ornamental appeal. Native to the eastern…
Frangipani
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
Frangipani, scientifically known as Plumeria, is a tropical flowering plant prized for its stunning, fragrant blooms and lush, green…
Gardenia
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–11
Gardenias are evergreen shrubs or small trees belonging to the Rubiaceae family, primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions of…
Hebe
- Mar 20 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–10
Hebe, commonly known as the speedwell or false hebe, is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Native…
Lime
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
Lime is a small, aromatic citrus fruit valued for its sharp acidity and fragrant peel. The name is used for several related citrus plants…
Lotus
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- High water
- Zones 4–10
The Lotus plant, belonging to the genus Nymphaea, is an aquatic perennial renowned for its stunning flowers and unique adaptations to a…
Lotus Root
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- High water
- Zones 5–10
Lotus root, known scientifically as Nelumbo nucifera, is the underwater tuber of the lotus flower, a beautiful aquatic plant widely…
Lychee
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
Lychee is a subtropical evergreen tree grown for its small, round to oval fruits. It usually reaches 10–15 metres in orchards, although…
Malanga
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Part sun
- High water
- Zones 10–11
Malanga, also known as taro or yautía, is a starchy root vegetable belonging to the family Araceae. It is native to tropical regions…
Mango
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–11
The mango is a tropical stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, originating from South Asia. It is characterized by its sweet, juicy…
Osmanthus
- Mar 20 – May 7
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–10
Osmanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the Oleaceae family, widely appreciated for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage…
Papaya
- Apr 10 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–12
Papaya is a fast-growing, short-lived tropical plant cultivated chiefly for its sweet fruit. Although it looks like a small tree, its…
Plantain
- Apr 17 – May 21
- Full sun
- High water
- Zones 10–11
The Plantain, scientifically known as Musa paradisiaca, is a tropical herbaceous plant closely related to the banana. It is characterized…
Queen Palm
- Apr 3 – May 21
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 9–11
The Queen Palm, scientifically known as Syagrus romanzoffiana, is a popular tropical and subtropical palm tree known for its elegant…
Sacred Fig
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 10–12
The Sacred Fig, scientifically known as Ficus religiosa, is a striking tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Revered…
Sago Palm
- Apr 3 – May 7
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 9–11
The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is not a true palm but a cycad, an ancient group of seed-producing plants. Native to Japan and the Ryukyu…
Thuja
- Feb 20 – May 7
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs in the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). The most popular…
Windmill Palm
- Mar 27 – May 7
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–10
The Windmill Palm, scientifically known as Trachycarpus fortunei, is a hardy and attractive palm native to China and the surrounding…
Yew
- Mar 20 – May 7
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
The Yew plant, scientifically known as Taxus, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs in the family Taxaceae. It is native to various…