Best Plants Around the Pool: Easy-Care Options for Your Oasis

Creating a lush, green oasis around your pool can transform your backyard into a tranquil retreat.

Choosing the right plants not only adds aesthetic appeal but also can improve poolside privacy and provide shade on those hot summer days.

I’ve spent a good deal of time researching and experimenting with different plants to find ones that thrive near pools, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what works best.

When selecting plants to surround your swimming area, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure they’re a good fit.

You want plants that won’t drop too many leaves into the water, and that can handle the occasional splash of chlorinated water.

It’s also essential to think about root systems that won’t invade the pool structure.

For a touch of color and texture, I always look for varieties that are not only durable but also visually stunning year-round.

Key Takeaways

• A well-chosen selection of plants enhances the pool area’s beauty and functionality.
• It’s important to consider leaf drop, chlorine tolerance, and non-invasive roots when choosing plants.
• The ideal poolside plants offer year-round visual interest and can withstand the poolside environment.

Arborvitae Evergreen Tree

Potted Palms And Shrubs

Fox Tail Agave

Bougainvillea

Birds of Paradise

Hibiscus Garden

Conifers, Shrubs and Perennials

Pennisetum

Potted Hibiscus Around Pool

Queen Palms

Musa Basjoo

Gardenia Shrubs

Sago Palm

Cordyline-Plants

Ajuga and Creeping Jenny

Windmill Palm

Selecting the Right Plants for Poolside Enjoyment

When I’m choosing plants to enhance my poolside oasis, I focus on their adaptability, maintenance, safety, and overall aesthetic harmony.

It’s like picking the right friends for a dinner party—the atmosphere just has to be perfect.

Understanding Poolside Microclimates

My pool area is its own little world with microclimates that change throughout the day.

I pay attention to spots that get full sun and areas that are shaded.

Plants like ornamental grasses thrive in sunny spaces, while I find that shade-loving perennials prefer those cozy, cooler corners.

I also consider the air moisture; it’s typically higher near the pool, which certain container plants absolutely love.

Choosing Plant Types

I love to mix different types of plants to create texture and depth around my pool.

Trees and shrubs can offer privacy, but it’s important they have well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

I intersperse these with ornamental grasses and perennials that come back year after year.

For seasonal color, I dot the landscape with annual flowers in containers, which I can easily swap out.

Considering Maintenance and Hardiness

I’m all about low-effort, high-impact gardening, so I opt for low maintenance and hardy plants.

Plants that are drought-tolerant save water and stand up to the heat, like the hardy banana, which brings a tropical vibe without too much fuss.

Plus, when it comes to maintenance, I adore ground cover that naturally suppresses weeds and reduces my workload.

Prioritizing Safety and Comfort

Safety is key, so I always go for non-toxic plants in case any curious pets or children are around.

I avoid thorny plants and instead choose species with soft foliage to keep the space friendly and inviting.

Plants that provide a pleasant fragrance or a gentle rustling sound in the breeze enhance the sensory experience while lounging poolside.

Aesthetic Appeal and Color Palette

Finally, I consider the visual feast for the eyes.

I’m drawn to plants with colorful flowers and lush foliage that create an enticing view from every angle.

I think about a cohesive color palette—maybe bold and vibrant to energize, or soft pastels for a relaxing vibe.

I use different textures and forms to play up the visual interest, inviting guests to not just see, but feel my outdoor space.

Top Plant Picks for a Vibrant Pool Oasis

Creating a poolside paradise involves selecting plants that offer visual appeal, privacy, and easy maintenance.

I’ve discovered that certain plants can turn any pool area into a vibrant oasis while serving specific functions, such as providing structure or adding a splash of color.

Trees and Shrubs for Structure and Privacy

I love to use trees and shrubs because they provide a natural screen that ensures privacy around pools.

Arborvitae (Thuja) is my go-to for a lush evergreen screen, and for those who prefer something a bit more tropical, Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) makes a stunning statement.

Gardenia not only adds structure but also infuses the air with its sweet, unmistakable fragrance.

Ornamental Grasses and Perennials for Texture and Color

For texture in the garden, I turn to ornamental grasses like Pennisetum which sway gently in the breeze and offer a graceful backdrop.

Perennials like Geranium bring vibrant color and are excellent for softening the edges of the pool space.

• Pennisetum: Feathery plumes, Movement
• Geranium: Bold color, Continual blooms

Container Plants for Flexibility and Style

Containers are my secret weapon for versatility.

Tropical Hibiscus in pots adds a splash of bright exotic flowers, while Musa Basjoo, also known as the hardy banana tree, can be moved around to change the scenery or to provide shade where needed.

• Tropical Hibiscus: Large, colorful blooms
• Musa Basjoo: Tropical feel, Easy to move

Tropical and Lush: Creating a Resort-Style Ambiance

Who doesn’t love a tropical vibe around their pool?

Big, bold leaves of the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) make you feel instantly on vacation, and the dramatic foliage of Staghorn Ferns elegantly mounted on nearby trees gives that resort-style ambiance I adore.

• Bird of Paradise: Striking foliage, Tropical allure
• Staghorn Fern: Unique texture, Vertical interest

Ground Covers and Edging for Polished Landscaping

A well-defined pool area needs good edging.

I find Creeping Jenny to be perfect for spilling over onto walkways, creating a soft edge, while Echeveria – a succulent ground cover, offers an unexpected but delightful low-maintenance option.

• Creeping Jenny: Bright green trails, Quick coverage
• Echeveria: Drought-tolerant, Rosette shapes

Unique Additions: Succulents and Cacti for a Modern Twist

For a contemporary look, I like incorporating unique plants like Echeveria and Agave, especially the eye-catching Fox Tail Agave.

These plants are stress-free, and they add an interesting architectural element to the poolside.

• Fox Tail Agave: Sculptural leaves, Bold presence
• Echeveria: Variety of colors, Easy care