May Planting Guide: Best Wholesale Picks for Professional Landscapers and Nurseries

Introduction

May marks a pivotal moment in the planting calendar for landscape professionals and wholesale nurseries. With temperatures warming and planting conditions ideal, this is a crucial month to get high-demand inventory into the ground and ready for summer growth. This guide highlights top-performing plant options for bulk buyers and professional landscapers, as well as tips on how nurseries can support their clients during this busy season.

Top-Selling Plants in May:

As commercial and residential landscaping projects ramp up in May, there is strong demand for dependable, fast-establishing plants that thrive in early summer conditions.

Flowering Shrubs:

• Hydrangeas (paniculata and macrophylla) remain a staple for large-scale installs due to their bold blooms and landscape impact.
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons are frequently used for high-end residential and institutional landscaping.
• Spirea and Weigela are dependable, low-maintenance choices ideal for commercial installations.

Perennials:

• Salvia, Coreopsis, and Daylilies are perfect for sunny, low-maintenance borders in mass plantings.
• Echinacea is increasingly requested in native and pollinator-focused designs.
• Hostas and Heuchera are reliable for shaded zones and commercial building foundations.

Annuals for Seasonal Displays:

• Petunias, Marigolds, and Begonias are widely used in municipal planters and seasonal displays.
• Pre-planted hanging baskets and containers offer quick-install options for hospitality and retail landscapes.

For landscape contractors, tree and shrub selections must be resilient, adaptable, and available in quantity. Promote:

• Crepe Myrtles for their long blooming season and urban tolerance.
• Red Maples for quick shade and high visual appeal.
• Vitex as a hardy, colorful alternative to small ornamental trees.
• Structural evergreens like Boxwood, Holly, and Arborvitae for privacy screens and year-round structure.

Vegetables and Herbs: Specialty Projects & Urban Agriculture

Though typically retail-oriented, edibles are increasingly specified in urban and community landscaping projects.

• Tomatoes, Peppers, and Cucumbers are in demand for school gardens and urban green spaces.
• Herbs like Basil, Oregano, and Thyme are being used in edible landscaping and restaurant gardens.
• Offer labeled trays and durable packaging for ease of transport and installation.

Support Strategies for Landscaping Professionals

Wholesale nurseries that cater to professionals should offer targeted services that align with project timelines and budget requirements.

• Contract Growing: Offer to grow to spec for large installs with scheduled delivery windows.
• Bulk Pricing and Availability Lists: Maintain real-time availability and tiered pricing based on volume.
• Job Site Delivery: Coordinate logistics with site managers for seamless drop-offs.
• Plant Substitution Expertise: Have knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend alternates when preferred varieties are unavailable.

Regional Adaptation
Provide zone-specific plant recommendations. In warmer climates, encourage heat-resilient species; in northern zones, highlight late-spring planting opportunities.

Preparing for Summer Demand
Position clients for success by encouraging early orders for June and July installs. Push heat- and drought-tolerant species like ornamental grasses, native perennials, and evergreen screens.

May is a critical month for professional landscapers and nurseries. Success depends on timely planting, reliable plant supply, and responsive customer service. By anticipating project needs and promoting landscape-grade material in quantity, wholesale nurseries can become indispensable partners for industry professionals.