What to Plant in May in Phoenix

Summer starts in May, with highs climbing toward 105 to 110. Cactus, agave and palms do well planted now, because warm soil gets their roots growing. Palms root best from May through July. Hardy trees and most shrubs do better planted in fall. Anything you plant now needs water every day or two for the first two weeks, plus shade cloth on the hottest afternoons. Monsoon season starts June 15, and storm winds are hard on young trees with heavy tops. Stake a young tree only if it cannot stand on its own, and take the stakes off in about a year.

In May

• Plant palms now through July. Keep the root ball moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks.
• Put 30 to 40 percent shade cloth over new plants once highs pass 95.
• Keep 3 inches of mulch over bare soil around new plants, pulled back from the trunks.
• If a young tree needs stakes, use two stakes and soft, wide ties that let the trunk move a little.

Best choices to plant in May

Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in May. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.

Trees for May planting

• Dragon Tree, one of its best months

Shrubs for May planting

• Red Bird of Paradise
• Red Hibiscus
• Blue Hibiscus
• Torch Glow Bougainvillea
• Barbara Karst Bougainvillea Espalier

Cactus for May planting

• Spiral Cereus, one of its best months
• San Pedro, one of its best months
• Crested Blue Myrtle, one of its best months

Agaves for May planting

• Blue Glow Agave, one of its best months
• Parry's Agave, one of its best months
• Jet Tip Agave, one of its best months
• Queen Victoria Agave, one of its best months

Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for May planting

• Firestick Euphorbia, one of its best months

Palms for May planting

• Mexican Fan Palm, one of its best months
• Mediterranean Fan Palm, one of its best months
• Pygmy Date Palm, one of its best months

Perennials and groundcovers for May planting

• Tropical Bird of Paradise
• New Gold Lantana

Vines for May planting

• Barbara Karst Bougainvillea Staked

Can I still plant in May in Phoenix?

Yes. Cactus, agave and palms plant well now. Trees and most shrubs do better in fall, and anything planted now needs extra water and shade.

When is the best time to plant palm trees in Phoenix?

Plant them from May through July. Palms grow new roots fastest when the soil is above 65 degrees.

How often should I water new plants in summer?

Every 1 to 2 days for the first two weeks, then every 3 to 4 days, then stretch it out. By the second month, about once a week.

Do I need to stake a new tree?

Only if it cannot stand on its own or sits in a windy spot. Set two stakes outside the root ball and remove them after about a year.