Home        Blogs    >   Perfect Landscaping Plants to Create an Enchanting Poolside Retreat

Perfect Landscaping Plants to Create an Enchanting Poolside Retreat

Are you dreaming of turning your pool area into a tranquil, green paradise? Having the righ plants can enhance your poolside space from just a basic setting to a beautiful, shaded private space. However, not all plants are ideal for growing in the unique ambiance surrounding a pool. Explore what you need to know about the best plants to surround your pool area and some plant recommendations by reading this blog!

Evergreen and Non-Shedding Plants

Evergreen plants keep their leaves all year round, so there is never a time that your pool area is not green and full of vitality in all season. In addition, non-shedding plants are especially needed that reduce the litter that shelters towards the pool side, thus reducing maintenance and ensuring clean water.

Recommended Plants

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): This is the evergreen shrub that will never go out of style – you can grow a whole hedge if you want. The leaves are dark green and very dense; pruning is minimal. It is laso a very hardy shrub that will do more than fine in virtually any climate, so you should definitely consider using it around your pool. Holly (Ilex): Holly bushes offer year-round greenery and can add a touch of elegance with their glossy leaves. They are also relatively low-maintenance and do not shed leaves excessively, keeping your pool area clean. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus): Mondo grass is an 8-inch-tall, evergreen perennial, which forms a lush, dense, and low carpet of narrow, arching leaves. This plant thrives both in the sun and the shade with almost no input from the owner. At the same time, it could be grown in sodden, which means it is perfect for reducing the soil erosion and adding some green to it.

Chlorine-Resistant Plants

Due to the fact that pools contain water with chlorine, it can be harmful for some plants. Chlorine-resistant plants have the advantage of being able to withstand splashes of chlorinated water, which ensures that the plant will remain in good health and will be as vibrant as it was before near the pool. Pool owners who do not want to harm their plants will want to invest in the following plants.

Recommended Plants

Canary Islands Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco): It is a unique, striking plant that is among highly recommended plants for a poolside environment. This plant takes a long time to grow, and it can stand splashings here and there, and this is the ideal plant for anyone with a pool who wants to create the illusion of an exotic paradise. Palm Trees (various species): They can be used as tropical plants throughout the year, and they are perfect for the site with splashings of water they can receive. Majesty Palm and Windmill Palm are the most suitable types of flowers as they release clasps of flowers above the foliage of their crowns.

Pest-Resistant Plants

Having a pool planted with pest-resistant plants is crucial. Pest-resistant plants reduce the amount of chemicals required to keep the sides of the pool neat and free of pests. With the use of such plants, the risk of attracting insects will be reduced to a minimum.

Recommended Plants

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): This is a hardy succulent that requires little water and is highly pest resistant. It gives your pool area a modern and sleek feel, and is well suited to potted growth. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.): These drought tolerant succulents are not only stunning, but they are also resistant to pests. They can be used in pots or even be directly planted on the ground, thereby adding an air of sophistication to your pool side.

Plants That Provide Shade

Shade is important to keep the pool area cool and inviting (especially in summer). Another plant that serves shade is another way of lowering the temperature of the water, as well as a place to cool off for swimmers.

Recommended Plants

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides): With its texture and movement, this ornamental grass brings life to your poolside landscape. In the form of arching foliage coupled with swaying plumes, it breathes movement and life into the garden, along with soft, gentle shade and tranquillity. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa): It makes a lovely version with its evergreen pyramidal form, and is an excellent shade plant too. It also has the strength to endure changing weather conditions and is perhaps one of the best options for a natural pool canopy.

Low-Maintenance Plants

The best way to maintain your pool looking great and cut down on maintenance is to invest in some low maintenance plants. Low maintenance plants will keep your pool looking beautiful and being well-kept without having to take care of it all the time. There will be more time for you to enjoy your pool and less time having to take care of them.

Recommended Plants

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Creeping Jenny is a ground cover plant that has bright green leaves that are tipped or tinged with gold or bronze especially in the sun. It is big for erosion control and gives your pool a natural carpeted look. Lantana (Lantana camara): Lantana is a flowering low growing plant that gives a pool a splash of color. It is also resistant to pests and droughtness, which makes it a great plant to use for a low maintenance landscape.

Design Ideas and Layouts

A poolside paradise consists of more than just desirable plant choices; it’s about designing an aesthetic that fits in with your home’s architecture and your personality. Here are a few ideas:

Tropical Oasis

Picture yourself sipping on a piña colada, sunbathing, and being completely surrounded by the rich greenery of a tropical forest. Would that be amazing? You can achieve that vibe in your pool area with palms, hibiscus, and bird of paradise. Oh, these puppies love the hot weather and will add vibrant colors and a lot of character to your pool area. Palm trees are characteristic of the tropics, and they will help you feel like you’ve landed in paradise. Hibiscus blooms are some of the most beautiful flowers, with their warm, bright red and pink colors. And the bird of paradise plants truly look like pieces of art, with their vividly colored, distinctive flowers. These three will achieve a rich and lush composition, providing a sense of a permanent vacation every time you leave your house through the pool area.

Modern Minimalist

The first design that I would like to suggest is modern minimalist. I think that it might be a perfect solution for anyone who prefers a more sleek and modern look.

My first idea is to use different kinds of succulents, such as agave and echeveria, and combine them with some vibrant ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass. First and foremost, I think that it looks very stylish and modern. Secondly, it is very low-maintenance, so you will not have to spend much time taking care of these plants, instead being able to relax by the pool.

I also think that succulents are just awesome. First, they are very tough and drought-tolerant. Secondly, they come in all kinds of weird and interesting shapes, such as agave, with its sharp, fearsome-looking leaves, or echeveria, which has those adorable rosette-shaped leaves. And fountain grass simply looks as though it is exploding with its bright green, tall arching bars that sway with the wind. I am sure that this design will make your pool look very contemporary and clean, without too much mess and fuss around it.

Privacy Screen

I would also like to offer a natural privacy screen design, as I think that it is one of the essential things that you need around your pool. I wanted to use some tall shrubs in order to create a barrier between the rest of the yard and the pool. Alternatively, you could use some climbing vines, such as star jasmine or bougainvillea. I think that they both look great and smell wonderfully. However, if you prefer something subtler, you could use some shrubs, such as boxwood or holly. They are very dense and evergreen, which I think is a wonderful combination. Either way, you will be able to relax by the pool without worrying about someone staring at you.

Dealing with Pool Chemicals

So, as you may have noticed, pool water isn’t the most plant-friendly thing around, what with all that chlorine and stuff. However, there are some plants out there that are just as tough as they are beautiful and can take the occasional splash perfectly well. You should look for the species that can withstand the harsh environment. For instance, the Canary Islands Dragon Tree is one of the creatures that can laugh in the face of chlorine and keep standing. Besides, you should consider palm trees, especially if you are aiming for a tropical vibe. They aren’t just about the looks – they can also take a splash from time to time and keep on smiling.

Managing Plant Debris and Cleanliness

Naturally, no one will be happy to spend their time fishing leaf bits and petals out of their swimming pool. Therefore, you will need to make sure that the ones you choose are not shedding all over the place. Consequently, it is necessary to go for the so-called non-shedding plants and spare your free time by not spending it on cleaning and maintaining your pool. Besides, consider investing in the regular neatening of your poolside plants. A little cut here and a snip there will make sure that the amount of debris is minimal.

Relative Blogs 

 About the author 

Mark Evans

Mark Evans is a seasoned pool expert currently serving as a blog writer for Beatbot. He is renowned for his profound understanding and passion for pool design, construction, and maintenance. Throughout his career, Mark has been dedicated to providing innovative pool solutions that enhance the outdoor living experience for families. Through his Beatbot blog, he is eager to share his professional knowledge, helping people create and maintain the pool of their dreams.

Stay Tuned with Us

Featured Products

Popular Posts