Creating a visually appealing and functional pool area involves more than just the choice of tiles and loungers. Adding the right plants can elevate your outdoor space, offer privacy, improve air quality, and complement your pool’s aesthetics. However, not all plants are suitable around pools, where foot traffic, chlorine exposure, and moisture fluctuations are common challenges. Whether you’re designing a tropical paradise or a minimalist modern oasis, selecting the right flora is essential. This article will guide you through the best plants to put around a pool, explain the benefits of incorporating greenery, and share tips for making maintenance easier and your space more inviting.
Why Landscaping Around a Pool Matters
Landscaping around a pool is not just about aesthetics—it plays a functional and strategic role in creating a comfortable outdoor environment. Thoughtfully placed plants can:
- Provide privacy and define the space
- Block wind and improve comfort around the pool
- Reduce glare and heat by adding shade
- Cool the air through transpiration
- Prevent erosion and improve soil quality around the pool deck
- Enhance the ambiance with colors, scents, and textures
However, choosing the wrong plants—those with invasive roots, messy growth habits, or allergenic pollen—can create more headaches than benefits. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand both the pool environment and which plants thrive there.
Characteristics of the Ideal Poolside Plant
Low Maintenance and Drought Tolerant
In poolside landscaping, plants must be easy to maintain and able to withstand occasional splashes of chlorinated water. Plants that require frequent trimming or watering may not be the best fit unless you have an irrigation system. Drought-tolerant varieties, such as many native species and succulents, are excellent choices for minimizing effort while keeping the area green and vibrant.
Non-Invasive Roots
Pools and their surrounding structures, such as concrete decks and drainage systems, need to be protected from invasive root systems. Trees or shrubs that grow aggressively downwards or sideways can crack pipes, lift paving stones, or interfere with filtration. Avoid species like willows, ficus trees, or bamboo near the immediate pool area, unless well-contained.
Minimal Shedding
Plants that constantly shed leaves, petals, seeds, or fuzz can create ongoing messes in and around the pool. While flowers offer beauty, certain types drop excessive petals around the water, clogging filters and making surfaces slippery. It’s best to go for foliage plants that maintain cleanliness but still provide visual interest.
Resistant to Chlorinated Water
Chlorine and salt can damage sensitive plants. Those that naturally grow in coastal regions or have thick, leathery leaves tend to tolerate the chemical exposure better. Consider native species or landscaping choices that are already adapted to your local climate, making them naturally resilient.
Top Plants for Poolside Landscaping
Choosing plants that harmonize in terms of texture, height, color, and practicality can create a lush and inviting pool setting. Below are some categories of the best-in-class options based on their size, appearance, and suitability for a poolside microclimate.
Colorful Foliage Options
Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa)
Cordylines are evergreen perennials that thrive in full sun to partial shade. They come in a range of colors—purple, red, pink, and green—with vertical, grass-like foliage that adds visual height and texture. Perfect for borders or clustered groupings, they do not shed dramatically and are easy to maintain.
Agave
If you’re looking for a modern or desert-style vibe, agave plants are excellent options. With spiky, geometric forms, they make stunning focal points. Many species are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny conditions, making them low-maintenance companions to your pool. Choose smaller varieties like Agave americana ‘Compacta’ to avoid overwhelming the space.
Tropical and Ornamental Grasses
Liriope (Liriope muscari)
Liriope is a clumping perennial grass, often referred to as ‘lilyturf.’ With fine, grass-like foliage and occasional purple or white flowers, liriope creates a lush, green border without spreading aggressively. It is also resistant to many pests and adapts well under varied lighting conditions.
Miscanthus Grass
Tall, decorative grasses like Miscanthus sinensis offer movement and seasonal interest. When strategically placed, they can form living screens for enhanced privacy without taking over the garden bed. This warm-season grass dies back in winter but returns in the spring, adding a cyclical beauty to your pool landscape.
Trees That Complement a Pool Area
Evergreen Shrubs
Boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are popular for their dense foliage, which can be pruned into precise shapes. Ideal for formal poolside hedges, their compact growth keeps areas neat and manageable. They prefer full sun to partial shade and respond well to regular pruning, maintaining an elegant appeal.
Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum)
Sweet viburnum is a semi-tropical evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and fragrant white spring flowers. Its rounded form and moderate growth rate make it perfect for creating screens or background hedges near pools. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
For a tropical yet subtle palm tree, the windmill palm is ideal. It features fan-shaped leaves and a slender trunk that doesn’t spread wide. Cold-hardy and adaptable to different soils, this palm adds a resort-like feel without the hassle of more fragile tropical species.
Seasonal and Ornamental Flowering Plants
While flowering plants should be chosen carefully due to potential mess, the right varieties can provide bursts of color without overwhelming your maintenance efforts.
Gazania
Gazanias are sun-loving flowering groundcovers that bloom in shades of orange, red, and yellow. They require minimal water once established and are perfect for adding a pop of bright color around the pool. Their low-growing nature reduces the risk of falling petals ending up in the water.
Geraniums
Geraniums make excellent container plants around pools. Their clusters of semi-drought-resistant flowers bloom in red, pink, and white, and they do well in warm climates and in potting soil that drains effectively. The key is to place them slightly away from the water’s edge to avoid splashes washing away their petals.
Lantana
Lantana is a heat-tolerant perennial shrub that produces multi-colored clusters of tiny flowers. It can be used in garden beds or containers and is resistant to pests. It thrives in full sun and requires only moderate watering, making it a practical poolside choice if kept moderately pruned.
Mediterranean-Inspired Pool Landscapes
If you’re aiming for a European-style pool environment, especially a Mediterranean or Tuscan aesthetic, the following plants will complement the look flawlessly:
Olive Trees (Olea europaea)
Olive trees are classic for poolside plantings in Mediterranean climates. With their silvery-green leaves and elegant, sculptural form, they provide visual depth and a sense of sophistication. Olive trees are not heavy feeders and require relatively low amounts of water and can tolerate poolside exposure quite well when spaced appropriately.
Lavender
Lavender is both aromatic and ornamental. Its fragrant purple spikes bloom in summer, attracting bees and butterflies. With a preference for full sun and well-drained soil, lavender is a perfect plant to line pathways or garden beds next to the pool. It’s also resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing garden disruptions.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy evergreen herb that grows well near pools. Its needle-like leaves resemble those of pine or spruce, and it can be shaped into hedges or allowed to grow freely as a low-maintenance shrub. Rosemary thrives in full sun and sandy soil, a perfect fit for the often dry poolside conditions.
Low-Ground Cover Plants Around a Pool
Ground cover plants help prevent weeds, reduce erosion, and add softness to hardscaped decks and tiled areas.
Blue Chalksticks (Senecio serpens)
This succulent plant has blue-green finger-like foliage and spreads slowly. It requires very little water, making it cost-effective to maintain and excellent in warmer climates. Blue chalksticks adds a unique, contemporary appeal to pool edges and rock borders.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is an excellent low-growing plant that spreads easily to fill in bare spaces. It prefers partial shade and regular moisture, so it’s best planted near shaded nooks around the pool. The golden-variegated variety adds a lovely visual contrast to darker stones or bricks.
Iceplant (Delosperma)
Iceland plant is known for its bright daisy-like flowers and trailing growth habit. It is drought-tolerant and spreads as a dense groundcover, ideal for filling voids in stony or sandy areas. The vivid summer flowers make this plant a standout feature.
Pool Plant Placement and Design Tips
Once you’ve selected your poolside plants, the next step is determining how and where to place them for the best results. Here are some strategies:
Grouping by Type and Water Needs
Group plants by their water and sun requirements to efficiently manage irrigation and maintenance. This will help conserve water and reduce stress on the plants. For example, use drip irrigation systems for water-efficient shrubs and containers, while ornamental grasses in shadier spots might need less frequent watering.
Using Containers for Flexibility
Planters around the pool create visual interest and can be moved if you wish to re-arrange your space. Containers also help contain species that may be aggressive in the ground, like bamboo or certain palms.
Vertical Planting
If your pool is in a small yard or on a patio, vertical planters or wall-mounted gardens offer a creative way to grow plants without taking up valuable floor space. They also help control mess, as debris is trapped above ground.
Lighting Integration
Outdoor lighting nestled within or behind poolside plants can extend the usability of your pool into the evening and add an elegant touch. Uplighting behind shrubs or among tall grasses can cast striking shadows and highlight specific designs.
Taking Care of Your Poolside Plants
Maintaining your poolside greenery doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Consider the following practices:
- Use mulch around beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Opt for automatic irrigation systems designed for low or consistent water flow.
- Regularly remove fallen leaves and debris to maintain water clarity and reduce slip hazards.
- Trim plants away from the pool’s coping and deck to ensure easy access for cleaning and prevent root issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Around a Pool
Understanding what not to do is just as essential as choosing the right plants. Here are some common landscaping missteps around pools.
- Overplanting shrubs or trees too close to the pool structure. Roots can grow into filtration systems and concrete surfaces, leading to costly damage.
- Using excessively shedding trees. Plants like jacaranda or silk cotton trees drop heavy amounts of flowers or seeds, which can create a difficult-to-maintain poolside environment.
- Choosing plants that attract stinging insects. If using flowering varieties, ensure they attract predominantly bees and butterflies, not wasps. Alternatively, opt for sterile or less-pollinating varieties.
- Choosing plants based solely on aesthetics without considering climate suitability. Local climate, water availability, and humidity levels should dictate plant selection for long-term success.
Creating a Theme with Poolside Plants
To elevate your outdoor recreation area into a lifestyle space, consider adopting a landscape theme that reflects your personal taste.
Tropical Theme
In a tropical-style pool setting, incorporate large-leaved plants like banana trees, bird of paradise, and heliconias, combined with lush groundcovers. Pair these with natural stone tiles and wooden furniture for a genuine island feel.
Modern Minimalist Theme
Minimalist pools complement sleek plantings like agave, yucca, and linear grasses. Use clean containers in white or black for containers and restrict the color palette for controlled elegance.
Coastal or Mediterranean Theme
For coastal regions or the Mediterranean aesthetic, combine olive trees, palms, and sage or rosemary with limestone or terra cotta pots. These plants typically thrive in similar conditions to those found around salt water pools.
Conclusion: Designing Your Ideal Poolside Garden
Choosing the right plants around your pool is about balancing beauty, practicality, and environmental harmony. Whether you’re aiming for a lush green border or a modern, sculptural display, the plants you select will define the atmosphere and usability of your pool area. By opting for species with low maintenance needs, drought tolerance, and minimal shedding, you can enjoy not just the physical benefits of your pool but also the serenity of surrounding greenery.
Plan your pool-side planting with care, integrate appropriate irrigation, and embrace creative design ideas that suit your lifestyle—your backyard can truly become a luxurious outdoor retreat.
What are the best poolside plants for adding beauty without creating a mess?
When selecting plants for your pool area, it’s important to choose varieties that are attractive yet low-maintenance. Ornamental grasses like fountain grass and mondo grass are excellent options because they don’t shed leaves or flowers excessively and provide a soft, natural border around pools. Dwarf shrubs such as dwarf yaupon holly or boxwood are also ideal for creating structure and visual appeal with minimal leaf drop.
Another good option is hardscape-friendly groundcovers like Irish moss or creeping thyme, which thrive in sunny conditions and help stabilize the soil around pool edges. These plants not only look appealing, but they also reduce the presence of dirt that could end up in the pool. By prioritizing plants that are tidy and slow-growing, you’ll maintain a beautiful pool landscape while minimizing the need for constant cleanup.
Are there plants that can help provide privacy around a pool area?
Yes, several plants serve as excellent natural screens, offering both privacy and beauty around a pool. Evergreen trees and shrubs like bamboo, Leyland cypress, or arborvitae can be planted in strategic rows to form a living fence. These tall, dense plants grow quickly and provide year-round coverage, making them ideal for screening your pool area from neighbors or street views.
For a more tropical aesthetic, you might consider using palms such as queen palm or foxtail palm, which grow tall and slender, creating vertical interest while still blocking sightlines. Vining plants like bougainvillea or creeping fig on trellises can also serve as seasonal privacy screens. When planning a living privacy barrier, it’s essential to choose non-invasive species that won’t interfere with pool equipment or plumbing.
Can poolside plants reduce glare and improve comfort around the pool?
Absolutely, certain plants can help reduce harsh sunlight and lower the temperature around your pool, enhancing overall comfort. Broad-leafed plants and trees such as banana plants, elephant ears, and large ferns cast significant shade, which can help cut down on glare from the water’s surface and make lounging around the pool more pleasant. These plants also contribute to cooler air temperatures by releasing moisture through their leaves.
Incorporating shade-creating plants into your pool landscape can also help prevent the patio or decking material from overheating. Deciduous trees like Japanese maples or crepe myrtles offer seasonal shade, allowing sunlight in during winter when warmth is desired. Strategically planting these around poolside seating areas can significantly improve usability and comfort, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Which poolside plants are safe for children and pets?
When designing a pool area where children or pets play, it’s vital to use non-toxic plants to avoid accidental poisoning or skin irritation. Safe choices include marigolds, sunpatiens, and gerbera daisies, which add bright color without posing a risk. Ornamental grasses are another pet- and child-friendly option, as they’re soft to the touch and typically non-irritating.
For more structured landscaping, consider using rosemary, which is both fragrant and safe, or ornamental sage varieties that thrive in sunny conditions. Avoid plants like lilies, dieffenbachia, or oleander, which can be harmful if ingested or touched. By choosing non-toxic, durable plants, you ensure the poolside remains a beautiful, safe environment for both children and animals.
What are the best plants to plant around a saltwater pool?
Saltwater pools present a unique challenge because of the corrosive nature of salt spray, which can damage sensitive plants. Hardy species that tolerate salt exposure include coastal shrubs like juniper, oleander, and lantana, which have natural resilience toward salty conditions. These plants can withstand both the chlorinated and saltwater pool environment without showing signs of stress.
In addition to shrubs, consider incorporating ornamental grasses like muhly grass or pampas grass, which also perform well near saltwater pools. Succulents such as sedums and agave add texture and require minimal water, making them ideal for warm, dry poolside conditions. Choosing salt-tolerant plants prolongs the life and vibrancy of your landscaping and ensures your pool area stays visually appealing and healthy year-round.
How do I maintain poolside plants without damaging the pool finish?
To maintain poolside plants without harming your pool’s surface or water quality, it’s important to choose low-maintenance, non-invasive varieties. Avoid planting species with deep roots or aggressive growth habits that might crack concrete, tile, or vinyl. Prune regularly to prevent plant debris from falling into the pool and avoid using fertilizers or pesticides that can wash into the water and affect chemical balance.
Watering techniques also matter—drip irrigation or soaker hoses are preferable because they minimize overspray and avoid waterlogging the pool deck. When planting near the pool, use mulch sparingly and avoid loose mulch near the water’s edge, as it can blow or wash into the pool, causing maintenance issues. By planning your plantings carefully, you can enjoy lush greenery without compromising the aesthetics or functionality of your pool.
Are there poolside plants that also deter mosquitoes and pests?
Yes, several poolside plants naturally deter mosquitoes and other pests, making your outdoor space more enjoyable. Citronella grass and lemon-scented geraniums are well known for their insect-repelling properties, especially against mosquitoes. These plants work best when placed near seating areas and poolside lounges, where their fragrances can be most effective.
Other effective options include catnip, basil, and marigolds, which are easy to grow and contain natural oils that pests dislike.薰衣草 (Lavender) is also a great choice, not only for its pleasing scent but also for its ability to repel mosquitoes. Incorporating these plants into your pool landscaping can reduce the need for chemical sprays and enhance the sensory pleasure of being outdoors. Just ensure they receive adequate sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil for optimal growth.