When it comes to designing the perfect poolside retreat, the choice of plants plays a crucial role in creating a lush, inviting, and serene atmosphere. The right plants can transform your pool area into a vibrant oasis, offering shade, privacy, color, and even a bit of tropical flair. However, selecting plants for around pools requires careful consideration of several factors, such as water splashes, heat exposure, and maintenance needs.
Considerations for Choosing Poolside Plants
Before selecting plants for your pool area, it’s important to consider a few key factors that will affect the health of the plants and the overall success of your landscaping design.
1. Sun and Heat Tolerance
Poolside areas are often exposed to full sun and high temperatures, especially during the summer months. You’ll want to choose plants that can withstand the intense heat and light without wilting or burning. Sun-loving plants, such as succulents, tropical species, and certain grasses, are ideal choices for poolside landscaping.
2. Low Maintenance
A pool is a place for relaxation, so the last thing you want is to spend hours maintaining your poolside plants. Opt for low-maintenance plants that don’t require constant pruning, watering, or fertilizing. Drought-tolerant plants and native species are often the best choices for poolside areas, as they are hardy and easy to care for.
3. Non-Invasive Roots
Plants with invasive or aggressive root systems can damage pool structures, pool plumbing, or nearby patios and decks. Avoid plants with large, spreading root systems, such as certain types of trees or shrubs, which may cause damage over time. Instead, choose plants with non-invasive roots that can grow well in confined spaces or container gardens.
4. Minimal Debris
Nobody wants to spend hours cleaning leaves, flowers, or fruits out of their pool. Select plants that don’t shed a lot of debris, such as evergreen plants or those with small, non-messy leaves. Avoid plants that drop large quantities of leaves, seeds, or blossoms into the pool, as they can clog filters and make pool maintenance more difficult.
5. Pool Chemical Tolerance
Pools contain chlorine or saltwater, which can be harsh on some plants. Splashing water, mist, and evaporation can expose poolside plants to these chemicals. Therefore, it’s essential to choose plants that can tolerate occasional exposure to chlorine or saltwater. Look for species that are resilient in these conditions, such as Mediterranean and coastal plants.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, you’ll want to consider the overall look and feel of your pool area. Do you want a tropical paradise with lush, green foliage and bright flowers? Or perhaps a modern, minimalist design with sleek, architectural plants? The aesthetic you aim for will influence the types of plants you choose.
Best Plants for Around Pools
Now that you know what to consider when selecting poolside plants, let’s dive into some of the best plant choices for pool landscaping. These plants are chosen for their resilience, beauty, and ability to thrive in a poolside environment.
1. Tropical Plants
Tropical plants are a popular choice for creating a lush, exotic vibe around pools. Their large, bold leaves and vibrant colors can transport you to a faraway paradise, right in your own backyard.
Banana Plants (Musa spp.)
Banana plants are known for their massive, fan-like leaves that give a tropical look to any landscape. These plants grow quickly and can reach impressive heights, making them perfect for adding height and drama around the pool. While banana plants don’t tolerate cold temperatures well, they thrive in warm, sunny poolside environments. They do require regular watering and feeding to keep their large leaves healthy and vibrant.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of paradise is a striking plant that produces vivid orange and blue flowers resembling tropical birds. It has large, paddle-shaped leaves that add texture and interest to poolside landscaping. Bird of paradise plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them an excellent choice for pool areas. They can grow up to 6 feet tall, providing both beauty and privacy around the pool.
Palms (Arecaceae family)
Palms are the quintessential poolside plant, often associated with beachside resorts and tropical getaways. There are many types of palms to choose from, such as queen palm, sago palm, and foxtail palm, each bringing its own unique flair to the landscape. Palms are low-maintenance and can tolerate heat, drought, and occasional exposure to chlorine or saltwater. They are also excellent for adding vertical height and creating natural shade.
2. Succulents and Cacti
For a modern and low-maintenance poolside look, succulents and cacti are fantastic options. These plants are drought-tolerant, require little water, and can withstand the heat of a sunny pool area.
Agave (Agave spp.)
Agave plants are known for their striking, architectural shape, with sharp, spiky leaves that form rosettes. They are drought-tolerant and require very little water, making them ideal for hot, dry poolside conditions. Agave plants come in various sizes and colors, from blue-gray to green, and they add a dramatic, modern touch to the landscape. Be mindful of their sharp tips if you have small children or pets near the pool area.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a versatile succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to thrive in hot, dry environments. It’s a great choice for poolside landscaping due to its low water needs and ability to tolerate full sun. Aloe vera also has the added benefit of its gel-filled leaves, which can be used to soothe sunburns—perfect for a poolside first-aid remedy!
Yucca (Yucca spp.)
Yucca plants are another great choice for poolside gardens. They have spiky, sword-like leaves that add a bold, architectural element to the landscape. Yuccas are extremely hardy and can tolerate heat, drought, and even some exposure to pool chemicals. These low-maintenance plants require minimal care, making them ideal for poolside areas.
3. Flowering Plants
For those looking to add a burst of color around the pool, flowering plants are a fantastic option. Many flowering species thrive in sunny, hot conditions and can provide beautiful blooms that enhance the overall aesthetic of your pool area.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus plants are famous for their large, showy flowers in bright shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. These tropical shrubs add a splash of vibrant color to any poolside garden and are perfect for creating a vacation-like atmosphere. Hibiscus plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, but they do require regular watering and care to produce their stunning blooms.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Lantana is ideal for poolside areas because it can tolerate heat and dry conditions, and it blooms continuously throughout the warm months. This low-maintenance plant is also a magnet for butterflies and pollinators, adding even more life to your garden.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Plumbago is a fast-growing, flowering shrub that produces clusters of sky-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate the heat and occasional splashes from the pool. Plumbago is perfect for creating a soft, colorful border around your pool area, and it also works well in containers.
4. Grasses and Groundcovers
Grasses and groundcovers can soften the edges of your pool area and provide texture and movement in the landscape. Many ornamental grasses and groundcovers are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for poolside planting.
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Fountain grass is a popular ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching blades and feathery flower spikes. It adds texture and movement to the landscape and can be used to soften the edges of your pool area. Fountain grass is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a great choice for poolside gardens.
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Blue fescue is a compact, clump-forming grass with fine, blue-gray foliage. It adds a soft, cool-toned element to the landscape and works well as a border or groundcover around the pool. Blue fescue is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for sunny, dry poolside areas.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing, low-growing groundcover that produces bright green or yellow foliage. It spreads quickly to cover bare ground, making it a great choice for filling in gaps around the pool. Creeping Jenny prefers moist soil, so it may require more frequent watering, but its vibrant color and texture make it worth the extra care.
5. Shrubs and Hedges
Shrubs and hedges can provide privacy, shade, and structure to your pool area. Many pool-friendly shrubs are evergreen, ensuring year-round greenery and low maintenance.
Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Boxwood is a classic choice for hedges and borders, known for its dense, evergreen foliage that can be easily shaped and pruned. Boxwood shrubs are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for framing pool areas or creating privacy screens. Their small, tidy leaves are also non-messy, reducing debris around the pool.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. It’s a popular choice for poolside planting because of its drought tolerance, evergreen foliage, and vibrant blooms. Oleander can be grown as a hedge or stand-alone shrub to provide privacy and color around the pool.
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
Japanese yew is an evergreen shrub with dark green, needle-like foliage that can be pruned into various shapes. It’s a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that works well as a hedge or accent plant around the pool. Japanese yew is low-maintenance and provides year-round greenery to your pool area.
Tips for Designing Your Poolside Landscape
Now that you have an idea of the best plants to use around pools, let’s talk about some design tips to help you create a poolside landscape that is both beautiful and functional.
1. Layer Your Plants
One of the keys to a well-designed poolside landscape is layering plants of different heights and textures. Start with taller plants, such as palms or large shrubs, at the back of your planting beds to create height and structure. Then, layer in mid-sized plants, such as flowering shrubs or ornamental grasses, to add color and texture. Finally, fill in the front with low-growing groundcovers or compact plants to create a soft, cohesive look.
2. Use Containers for Flexibility
If you’re short on space or want the flexibility to move your plants around, consider using containers for your poolside plants. Container gardens allow you to experiment with different plant combinations and change the look of your pool area as needed. Plus, container plants can be moved to different areas of your yard if they’re not thriving in one spot.
3. Create Shade with Trees and Palms
If your pool area gets a lot of direct sunlight, consider planting trees or tall palms to provide natural shade. Not only will this make your pool area more comfortable, but it will also protect your plants from the intense heat. Just be sure to choose trees with non-invasive roots that won’t damage your pool or surrounding structures.
4. Incorporate Hardscape Elements
In addition to plants, hardscape elements such as rocks, pebbles, and stepping stones can enhance the look of your poolside landscape. Use natural stone or gravel to create paths between planting beds, or add decorative boulders to anchor your garden design. Hardscaping can also help with drainage and reduce the amount of maintenance needed around the pool.
5. Keep Safety in Mind
When choosing plants for your pool area, it’s important to consider safety. Avoid planting spiky, thorny, or toxic plants near the pool, especially if you have children or pets. Plants with sharp leaves or thorns can cause injuries, while toxic plants may pose a health risk if ingested.
Maintaining Your Poolside Plants
Once you’ve planted your poolside garden, regular maintenance is key to keeping it looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for your poolside plants:
1. Watering
Poolside plants, especially those exposed to full sun, may require more frequent watering than plants in other areas of your yard. Be sure to water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize evaporation.
2. Fertilizing
Poolside plants can benefit from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides nutrients over time. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and more maintenance.
3. Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of your poolside plants. Trim back any overgrown or damaged branches, and remove dead or fading flowers to encourage new blooms. This will keep your plants looking neat and tidy throughout the growing season.
4. Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your poolside plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as bark or wood chips, work well for most poolside plants. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plants to prevent rot.
5. Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Poolside plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, just like any other garden plants. Keep an eye out for common issues such as aphids, spider mites, or fungal infections. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to keep your plants healthy and pest-free.
Conclusion
Landscaping with plants around your pool can transform your outdoor space into a lush and inviting retreat. By selecting the right plants—those that can tolerate sun, heat, and occasional exposure to pool chemicals—you can create a stunning poolside oasis that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your pool area.
Whether you prefer a tropical paradise, a modern minimalist garden, or a colorful flowering border, there are plenty of plant options to suit your style and needs. With careful planning and regular maintenance, your poolside landscape will provide enjoyment for years to come.