Finding sturdy plants that can tolerate your pool’s microclimate, are easy to manage, and still look nice is the secret to effective poolside gardening. Before buying or excavating, thoroughly investigate any plants you intend to use to surround your pool. A heated pool can increase humidity, and direct sunlight can burn neighboring flora.
Keep in mind that plants will most likely be exposed to chlorine and other pool and spa chemicals. These 18 plants and trees are all terrific candidates for pool landscaping; however, be sure they are appropriate for your climate and soil conditions. The majority of the plants on this list thrive in warmer climates (USDA Zones 9 to 11). Many, on the other hand, can be grown in pots and overwintered indoors.
Banana Tree (Musa)
If you want a tropical aspect for your pool area and reside in a mild, frost-free zone, banana plants will instantly create the atmosphere you desire. Bananas are herbaceous perennials or trees that grow quickly and have long, broad leaves that look tropical. Plant them in a wind-free location because those beautiful leaves can easily be pulled off if not near a wall, fence, or sheltered by surrounding plants.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10 (though some varieties thrive from zones 5 to 10)
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
If you can grow Hawaii’s state flower in your zone, go for it—there are several types to pick from, with names like “White Wings,” “Crown of Bohemia,” “Kona Princess,” and “Flamenco Flame.” Hibiscus is a thirsty plant, so give it lots of water. Consider growing hibiscus in a container and overwintering the plant inside near a window in colder locations. If you wish to use Hawaiian hibiscus in a flower arrangement, choose one while it is in full bloom and place it in the refrigerator. In a vase, it will stay fresh and open long enough to enjoy throughout the evening.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: White, red, pink, orange, yellow, peach, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun, part sun, full shade, part shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy
Related: How to Grow Succulents?
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
thespruce.com/zebra-grass-information-2132485(opens in a new tab)
If you want to visit a tropical oasis, a bird of paradise will get you there swiftly. It has the appearance of a banana plant, an upright growth style, and 2-foot-long leaves. Strelitzia reginae, like the banana, need protection from strong winds or its leaves may rip. 1 Bird of paradise is easy to grow indoors, so if you live in a colder area, you can overwinter the plant indoors and take it outside in the summer. Bird of paradise is a good choice for pool landscaping because it does not shed and is tough enough to withstand splashing (in moderation, of course).
- USDA Growing Zones: 11
- Color Varieties: White, orange, blue
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained potting mix
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
In general, ornamental grasses are wonderful alternatives for poolside gardening. They are simple to care for, do not get too messy, grow quickly, blend well with other plants, and have a striking form both day and night. This particular ornamental grass is Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus,’ sometimes known as zebra grass or porcupine grass. Its horizontal stripes give it a unique appearance that complements tropical settings.
- USDA Growing Zones: 11
- Color Varieties: White, orange, blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
Egyptian Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)
Cyperus papyrus (Egyptian papyrus, papyrus sedge, or papyrus grass) can generate a mood in the appropriate conditions—lush, tropical, and exotic. Papyrus enjoys water and can be found in bogs and shallow ponds. It also grows well in improved clay soil because the clay helps it retain moisture, which it craves. Pair it with Equisetum ‘Horsetail,’ a tall and slender plant that adores water and has an exotic sense.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 and above
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, wet soil
Related: How to Grow Succulents?
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)
The name alone may entice you to order one of these heavenly-looking plants without even seeing them. Brugmansia, often known as angel’s trumpet, has a lovely aroma and makes an excellent poolside shrub or tree. These plants can be carried indoors and left to dormant throughout the winter. They can survive the winter if stored in a cool, dark, frost-free location and regrow the following spring.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: White, peach, pink, orange, or yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil Needs: Acid soil
WARNING
The angel’s trumpet plant is toxic in all sections, and poisoning can result by consumption or even touching the plant. Gloves should be worn when caring for the angel’s trumpet on a daily basis. If you have children or animals, avoid this plant and seek medical assistance right once if you suspect exposure or poisoning.
Echeveria (Crassulaceae)
Echeverias are Mexican succulent perennials that feel like a cross between felt and velvet to the touch. These drought-tolerant plants are ideal for rock gardens. They’d also look great in planters near your pool or spa, blended together with other succulents and decorative grasses for a low-maintenance show. They can be grown as shrubs in the right zones (mainly southwestern), reaching heights of up to 2 feet (60 cm) with 4-inch-long leaves.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Greens, pinks, reds, and yellows
- Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil Needs: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH around 6.0
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos flavida)
The common name, kangaroo paw, gives a good indication of where this beloved perennial is from: Australia. This plant and its hybrids are thin and beautiful in appearance, but the blooms are the major draw for kangaroo paws. The perennials, which are striking and curved like kangaroo paws, come in numerous types and gorgeous colors, including ‘Bush Gold,’ ‘Bush Emerald,’ and ‘Bush Lantern’ (bright yellow).
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Color Varieties: Red, yellow, or orange; white and pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy soil
Martha Washington Geranium (Regal pelargonium)
Nothing rivals the hybrids known as Martha Washington or Lady Washington geraniums for vivid, long-lasting color from spring to October. Martha Washington geraniums are normally only available for around six weeks in late April. Marthas can take on the appearance of exotic tropical flowers including orchids. Lady Washington pelargoniums, like many flower hybrids, have fantastic cultivar names like ‘Raspberry Swirl,’ ‘Imperial,’ and ‘Excaliber.’
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 10
- Color Varieties: Pink, magenta, fuschia, red, white, violet and lavender
- Sun Exposure: Indirect sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
Related: The Banana Tree - How To Grow A Banana Tree In Your Backyard
Proteas (Banksia)
Proteas are tropical orange beauty (Banksia.) Banksias are native to Australia. Proteas are typically stiff and prickly to the touch, but they are also tough and long-lasting. Combine proteas with other tropicals such as hibiscus, cannas, and low-growing palms to create a tropical paradise. Proteas can grow on rocky, nutrient-deficient soil and should not be fertilized.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8
- Color Varieties: White, purple, red, orange, yellow, and green
- Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil Needs: Acidic, nutrient-poor soil
Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine (I. batatas )
Sweet potato vines come in a variety of hues and variegations, but this vivid chartreuse ‘Marguerite’ (also known as ‘Margarita’ or ‘Margarite’) is one of the most eye-catching and robust. I. batatas is a fast-growing, low-maintenance trailing vine native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is suitable for hanging containers, planters, walls, trellises, and as a ground cover.
- USDA Growing Zones: 11
- Color Varieties: Chartreuse, gold, bronze, brown, red, purple, and nearly black
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained enriched soil
Agave Attenuata (Agave attenuate)
Not to be confused with blue agave or Agave tequilana, an important cash crop for the Mexican state of Jalisco for making tequila, Agave attenuata is also a native of Mexico and grows well in the southwestern United States. It requires little water and performs well near the ocean or a swimming pool. Attenuata is also easy to propagate from cuttings or pups—a few large plants can multiply and become quite prolific in just a few years.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, and green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Any well-draining soil is acceptable, but their preference is rocky or sandy soil
Hebe (Hebe)
This New Zealand native is sometimes referred to as Veronica. Shrubbier hebes are exotic, eye-catching plants that complement poolside border gardening. They like warm winter climates and require consistent water with proper drainage. 3 The flowering season for some kinds lasts from early June until the first frost. Deadhead flowers on a regular basis to ensure that they remain in bloom. In hotter climates, hebes demand shade.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, white, pink foliage
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Loose, well-draining soil
Aeonium (Aeonium)
Succulents have typically been disregarded in American gardens, but they are gaining favor in the western United States. These lovely green flowers are Aeonium. Succulents come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they are the rising stars of drought-tolerant landscaping because their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots store water. Technically, cacti are succulents, but they require a desert habitat and have prickly spines. Succulents, on the other hand, do not all have spines.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Solid colors or variegated in white, yellow, red, and green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Sandy loam or regular potting mix
Jade (Crassula ovata)
Jade is a popular houseplant in some areas; in others, it can grow like a weed and is incredibly unfussy. Its foliage, like all succulents, is densely packed with water; when it shrivels, you know it’s thirsty. Jade is a beautiful, tough, and trouble-free plant for your pool area landscaping.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Sandy or even rocky soil is fine if well-drained
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
Staghorn ferns can be seen growing on trees in the tropical locations from which they originate. Staghorns look fantastic mounted on wood slabs or bark, hanging baskets, or affixed to trees if you don’t live in the tropics but can grow them in your zone. This could be the show-stopping plant for your pool area if you have a garden wall or pool house that receives filtered sunlight.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Soil Needs: Pot young plants in rich, well-drained compost. Mature plants should be mounted.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia)
This hardy perennial is a European native that has spread to eastern North America. Creeping Jenny adapts well to a variety of environments, including woodlands and partial shade gardens, as well as the arid climate of southern California (pictured). Lysimachia is a lovely chartreuse plant that can be used as a ground cover, climbing trellis, or spilling out of pots near the pool. Jenny can be invasive, but because it is so beautiful, color-loving gardeners are forgiving.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil
Schefflera (Schefflera)
While scheffleras are native to Australia, New Caledonia, southern Asia, Hawaii, and Taiwan, they have also successfully adapted to other areas, including California and Florida. The schefflera grows nicely beside a swimming pool, especially in moist, well-drained soil. Schefflera is also known as the Queensland umbrella tree and the octopus tree. Combine it with other tropical plants such as hibiscus, cannas, and bromeliads.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Color Varieties: White, pink, or red
- Sun Exposure: Bright indirect light
- Soil Needs: Rich and moist
Tip
The majority of the plants on this list thrive in warmer climates (USDA Zones 9 to 11). Many, on the other hand, can be grown in pots and overwintered indoors.
