A pool is more than just a place to cool off, it’s the heart of your backyard, a space to relax, entertain, and escape. But have you ever noticed how the right plants can completely transform that poolside vibe? Choosing the best plants around the pool doesn’t just enhance the beauty of your outdoor space; it also plays a functional role.
From providing much-needed shade to adding privacy and even helping with water filtration, smart plant choices can make your pool area feel like a personal oasis. And the best part? You don’t need to be a landscape designer to make it happen.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best plants around pool areas, from tropical showstoppers and drought-tolerant heroes to low-maintenance shrubs and fragrant blooms. Whether you want a modern, clean look or a lush, tropical paradise, there’s something here for every pool area.
Key Considerations When Choosing Poolside Plants
Before jumping into a list of the best plants around pool areas, it’s essential to know what makes a plant “poolside-friendly.” Not all greenery is suited for the high-splash, sun-drenched zone around your swimming pool. Let’s break down the key factors to keep in mind so your backyard stays beautiful and practical.
🌞 Climate and Sun Exposure
First things first, your local climate and how much sun your pool area gets can make or break your plant choices. Does your pool bask in full sun all day? Or is it partially shaded by nearby buildings or trees? Choose plants that naturally thrive in your specific conditions. For example, succulents and palms love sunny, dry spots, while ferns and hostas prefer shady corners.
🛠️ Maintenance
Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend their weekends fishing leaves and petals out of the water. When selecting the best plants around pool areas, look for low-maintenance varieties that don’t shed excessively. Opt for evergreens, structured shrubs, or succulents that keep the mess to a minimum and the beauty level high.
💧 Water Needs
Poolside plants need to survive with minimal attention, especially during the heat of summer. Choose drought-tolerant or water-wise plants that won’t need daily watering. Also, keep in mind that occasional splashes of chlorinated or saltwater are inevitable. Go for resilient plants that can handle the occasional soak without wilting.
🏊 Pool Safety
Safety always comes first, especially if you have little ones or pets running around. Avoid plants with sharp thorns, toxic leaves, or fruits that could be harmful if ingested. Instead, focus on non-toxic, kid- and pet-friendly plants that won’t pose a risk while still adding to your pool’s charm.
Tropical Plants
If your dream poolside setup feels like a vacation in your own backyard, tropical plants are a must. They’re lush, bold, and instantly give off that paradise-like energy. Some of the best plants around pool areas fall into this category, not just for looks, but also for function.
Palm Trees (e.g., Areca Palm, Queen Palm)
Palms are a classic poolside staple. Areca Palms bring soft, feathery fronds that dance in the breeze, while Queen Palms grow taller, creating a grand, tropical canopy. They’re low-shedding and perfect for adding some height and structure without the mess.
Bird of Paradise
True to its name, the Bird of Paradise adds exotic beauty with its bright orange and blue blooms that resemble a tropical bird in flight. Its bold foliage stands up to intense sun and thrives in warm, humid climates.
Hibiscus
If vibrant color is what you’re after, hibiscus is your go-to. With giant, showy flowers in reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges, this tropical beauty turns your pool area into a colorful escape. Plus, it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Why Tropical Plants Are Great for the Poolside
- Instantly create a lush, vacation-like setting.
- Many provide natural shade and privacy, perfect for relaxing without prying eyes.
- Designed by nature to withstand heat, sun, and humidity, making them low-maintenance in hot climates.
🌵 Drought-Tolerant Plants
Not everyone has time for daily watering or constant upkeep—and the good news is, you don’t have to. Some of the best plants around pool areas are drought-tolerant beauties that thrive in hot, sunny conditions and still look amazing. These plants are perfect if you want a stunning poolside landscape with minimal effort.
Agave
Agave is a bold, architectural plant that brings a modern desert vibe to your poolside. It requires little water, grows well in pots or rocky beds, and adds sculptural flair with its spiky leaves (just don’t plant it too close to foot traffic).
Bougainvillea
This vibrant climber explodes in fuchsia, magenta, and orange tones. It loves full sun, barely needs water once established, and can trail along fences, walls, or trellises, adding a Mediterranean charm to your space.
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just drought-tolerant, it’s fragrant, soothing, and keeps mosquitoes at bay! Its soft purple blooms look gorgeous near stone paths or in planter beds, and it thrives in heat with very little watering.
Yucca
Yucca is incredibly tough and thrives in the heat. Its sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes make it a striking, low-maintenance choice. It pairs beautifully with agave and gravel-style landscaping.
Lantana
Bursting with clusters of tiny, colorful flowers, lantana is both drought-resistant and butterfly-attracting. It handles heat with ease and blooms nearly nonstop during the warmer months.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a succulent groundcover that brings texture and variety. It’s great for softening the edges of hardscaping and thrives in sunny spots with very little water.
Why Drought-Tolerant Plants Are Great for the Poolside
- They thrive in hot, sunny conditions—perfect for open pool decks.
- Low watering needs mean less hassle, especially in summer.
- Many offer bright blooms and unique textures for visual appeal.
- Ideal for eco-conscious landscaping with less water waste.
Low-Growing Groundcovers
Groundcovers may be low to the ground, but they’re high in impact. These plants are ideal for softening the hard edges of your pool deck, filling in spaces between pavers, or lining walkways with a lush green touch. Many of them are tough, fast-spreading, and require very little upkeep, making them some of the best plants around pool borders and patios.
Creeping Thyme
This fragrant herb does double duty; it’s beautiful and useful. Creeping thyme forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and pink or purple flowers, and it can handle light foot traffic, heat, and drought like a champ.
Creeping Thyme
This fragrant herb does double duty; it’s beautiful and useful. Creeping thyme forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and pink or purple flowers, and it can handle light foot traffic, heat, and drought like a champ. Bonus: it smells amazing when you brush past it.
Mondo Grass
Mondo grass is a great choice for a tidy, low-maintenance border. It resembles grass but requires far less care and water. Dwarf varieties are especially popular for creating neat, elegant edging around hardscapes.
Blue Star Creeper
Tiny blue flowers, dense green foliage, and an ability to grow between stepping stones—what more could you want? Blue Star Creeper is soft underfoot, spreads quickly, and creates a carpet-like effect that’s charming and practical.
Dymondia (Silver Carpet)
With its silvery-green leaves and yellow blooms, Dymondia is a drought-tolerant groundcover that thrives in full sun. It’s perfect for planting between pavers and suppressing weeds around the pool.
Mazus Reptans
This pretty little creeper offers lavender flowers in spring and early summer. It tolerates foot traffic, stays low, and forms a soft green blanket along poolside paths and borders.
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Not a true moss, but just as velvety! Irish Moss is ideal for cool to moderate climates and adds a plush, cushiony look to edges and cracks. It thrives in part sun and gives your pool area a soft, lush vibe.
Why Groundcovers Are Great for the Poolside
- Create a clean, polished look without overpowering the landscape.
- Help prevent soil erosion and keep weeds at bay.
- Require minimal trimming or care once established.
- Many varieties are drought-tolerant and foot-traffic-friendly.
🌼 Flowering Plants
Looking to make your poolside space feel more alive, colorful, and inviting? You can’t go wrong with flowering plants. These beauties don’t just brighten the space—they fill the air with irresistible fragrances and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. No wonder they’re some of the best plants around pool areas for both charm and sensory appeal.
Jasmine
Few scents say “relaxation” quite like jasmine. This climbing or bushy plant fills the air with a sweet, calming aroma, especially in the evening. Plant it near seating areas or on a trellis by the pool for a fragrant touch of elegance.
Plumeria (Frangipani)
With large, tropical flowers and a heavenly scent, plumeria—also called frangipani—is a classic in warm-climate landscapes. It thrives in containers or raised beds and drops minimal debris, making it pool-friendly and eye-catching.
Salvia
Salvia is a magnet for pollinators and adds long-lasting blooms in shades of purple, red, pink, and blue. It’s heat-tolerant, drought-friendly, and works beautifully in borders or pots near the pool.
Roses (Compact or Shrub Varieties)
For a touch of romance and old-world charm, low-maintenance shrub roses or miniature varieties work well poolside. Choose thornless or low-thorn types if safety is a concern.
Daylilies
Daylilies are known for their colorful, trumpet-like flowers and sturdy nature. They thrive in sunny areas and can handle the occasional splash of water without fuss.
Why Flowering Plants Are Great for the Poolside
- Bring vibrant color and sweet fragrances to your space.
- Attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adding life and motion.
- Can be grown in containers, beds, or along the pool deck.
- Many are easy-care and bloom through the warmer months.
🌱 Succulents
If you love sleek design and low-maintenance landscaping, succulents are your best friends. With sculptural shapes, bold textures, and incredible resilience, these trendy plants are ideal for warm, sunny poolside spots. In fact, many of the best plants around pool spaces are succulents because they look amazing and barely ask for anything in return.
Aloe Vera
Not only is aloe vera stylish with its spiky, upright leaves, but it also comes with natural healing benefits. A quick cut from the leaf can soothe sunburns—a bonus if you’re lounging by the pool! It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in containers.
Echeveria
With their neat rosettes and pastel colors, echeverias are like living sculptures. They’re great for decorating patio tables, steps, or planter groupings around the pool. Just give them sun and good drainage, and they’ll thrive.
Crassula (Jade Plant)
The jade plant is a succulent with thick, glossy leaves and a tidy form. It’s ideal for pots and rock gardens, and brings a calm, Zen-like vibe to your poolside setup.
Why Succulents Are Great Poolside
- Super low-maintenance and water-efficient, perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Thrive in hot, sunny climates and tolerate dry soil.
- Add a clean, modern aesthetic to any poolscape.
- Work well in containers, garden beds, or rockscapes.
Shrubs and Bushes
If you’re looking to add some structure, privacy, or even a touch of shade to your pool area, shrubs and bushes are your go-to plants. Not only do they provide a natural barrier, but they also enhance your poolside with lush greenery, and they’re among the best plants around the pool for a well-defined, private retreat. These plants can be easily shaped, trimmed, and integrated into your landscape for a tailored, elegant look.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub that’s perfect for shaping into neat hedges or topiaries. Its dense foliage offers excellent privacy and works well in formal or modern pool designs. Boxwood is also relatively low-maintenance and stays green year-round, providing structure and greenery even in the off-season.
Hydrangea
With their large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white, hydrangeas make a stunning addition to any poolside. These shrubs thrive in partial to full sun, and their soft, rounded shape adds both beauty and a bit of shade to the pool area. Hydrangeas are perfect for creating a peaceful, garden-like ambiance.
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Oleander
Oleander is a fast-growing, flowering shrub that provides privacy with its tall, dense growth. It produces vibrant flowers in pink, red, or white that add color and charm around the pool. However, note that oleander is toxic, so it’s best to place it in areas where pets and children won’t be able to access it.
Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)
Nandina is a hardy shrub with colorful foliage that shifts from green to red, orange, and purple throughout the seasons. It grows in a compact form, providing privacy without overwhelming the space, and its berries attract birds.
Why Shrubs and Bushes Are Great Poolside
- Provide privacy by forming natural screens or barriers.
- Offer structure and definition around the pool, adding elegance and style.
- Can be shaped and trimmed to fit the design of your landscape.
- Many shrubs, like hydrangeas, offer beauty and shade during hot summer days.
Looking for poolside plants that you can move around or switch up with the seasons? These best outdoor potted plants around pool are perfect for adding color, texture, and a tropical vibe, without committing to digging up your yard.
Poolside Plant Care Tips
To keep your poolside garden looking its best and ensure your plants continue to thrive, proper care is essential. From efficient watering to regular pruning, here are some essential tips for taking care of the best plants around pool areas.
💧 Watering – The Right Way
One of the key aspects of plant care around the pool is watering. While many poolside plants are drought-tolerant, overwatering can lead to root rot or other issues.
- Avoid overwatering by ensuring your plants are in well-draining soil or containers.
- Water deeply but less frequently, encouraging roots to grow deep and strong.
- For plants in containers, ensure there are drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
- Be mindful of pool water runoff, especially when using chemicals, as they can affect your plants. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated without overwatering.
✂️ Trimming and Pruning
To keep your pool area neat and reduce the risk of leaves and flowers ending up in the water, regular pruning is essential. Here’s why and how to trim and shape your plants:
- Trim dead or overgrown branches regularly to prevent them from touching the pool and shedding debris.
- For flowering plants like hydrangeas or oleanders, remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep the area tidy.
- Cacti and succulents also benefit from occasional pruning to remove any unwanted growth that could clutter the poolside.
🌱 Fertilizing
Proper fertilization ensures your plants stay healthy, but you’ll need to be careful when using fertilizers around the pool. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient runoff, which may affect pool water quality.
- Use organic fertilizers or slow-release formulas that won’t leach nutrients into the pool.
- Apply fertilizer away from the pool to reduce the risk of runoff.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent feeding.
🪴 Container Plants
Container plants are an excellent way to add beauty to your poolside without planting directly in the ground. They offer flexibility and make it easy to move plants to different spots.
- Choose decorative containers that complement the style of your pool area.
- Use well-draining pots to avoid waterlogging, which can be a common issue around pools.
- Group plants together in containers to create a dynamic, multi-layered look. You can mix tall shrubs, low-growing groundcovers, and colorful flowers for maximum effect.
✅ Why Care Matters for Poolside Plants
- Regular care, including proper watering, trimming, and fertilizing, keeps your poolside garden looking lush and vibrant.
- Ensuring containers are well-drained helps avoid stagnant water, which could attract mosquitoes.
- A clean and well-maintained pool area will keep debris out of the pool and help your plants grow stronger.
By following these care tips, you can ensure your best plants around pool areas continue to thrive, providing beauty, privacy, and shade all season long.
Common Poolside Planting Mistakes to Avoid
While it’s easy to get excited about planting near your pool, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your garden thrives without causing problems. Here’s a quick guide on how to keep your best plants around pool healthy and happy.
Overcrowding
One of the biggest mistakes when planting around the pool is overcrowding. It can be tempting to fill every available space with plants, but giving them enough room to spread out is essential.
- Leave space between plants to avoid overcrowding, which can stunt growth and promote fungal diseases.
- Overcrowding can also lead to too much shade, which may harm plants that prefer full sunlight, making them less vibrant and healthy.
- Consider the mature size of each plant before planting, so they don’t outgrow their spot or crowd each other.
Choosing High-Maintenance Plants
While exotic or rare plants may look appealing, many are high-maintenance and require more care than you’re willing to give, especially around the pool where you want low-maintenance options.
- Choose hardy, easy-to-care-for plants that don’t need constant attention. Plants like succulents, tropicals like hibiscus, or drought-tolerant varieties (such as agave or bougainvillea) are great options.
- High-maintenance plants often require specific water, light, or temperature conditions that may not be ideal for a poolside setting.
- The best plants around pool areas should not only look good but also thrive without constant care, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your space.
Planting Toxic Plants
Another important factor when selecting plants for around your pool is ensuring they’re non-toxic, especially if you have pets or children. Some beautiful plants can be harmful if ingested or touched, which is something you’ll want to avoid in a poolside environment.
- Research plants to ensure they aren’t toxic before planting. For example, while oleander is beautiful, it is highly toxic if ingested.
- Consider non-toxic alternatives like sunflowers, roses, or marigolds if you’re concerned about safety.
- Make sure to plant toxic varieties far from areas where kids or pets play, especially if you have curious animals or little ones around the pool.
By avoiding these common planting mistakes, you’ll ensure that your poolside garden flourishes without issues. Whether you’re creating a private oasis or a vibrant tropical retreat, choosing the right plants, spacing them properly, and keeping safety in mind will make your space even more enjoyable.
Looking for more ways to turn your poolside into a private paradise? Check out these 20 Beautiful Pool Landscaping Ideas for Creating a Relaxing Oasis by Better Homes & Gardens. From stylish stone paths to lush garden layouts, this guide is packed with design inspiration to help you elevate your entire outdoor space.
Creating the perfect poolside garden goes beyond just beautifying the space; the right plants can enhance the overall ambiance, improve privacy, and even help with pool maintenance. By selecting plants that thrive in your climate, fit your lifestyle, and complement your pool area’s needs, you can enjoy a stunning, low-maintenance garden that looks great all year round.
Remember to consider factors like sun exposure, watering needs, and safety, and always choose plants that align with your vision and the functionality you want around your pool. Whether you prefer tropical palms, flowering shrubs, or modern succulents, there’s a wide variety of options among the best plants around pool to create a lush, inviting environment.
I’d love to hear about your favorite poolside plants! Have you tried any of the plants mentioned in this article, or do you have your own tips for creating the perfect poolside oasis? Share your thoughts and gardening wisdom with us in the comments below!
