Best Plants for Poolside: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to landscaping around a pool, choosing the right plants is crucial. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your pool area, but they also provide privacy, shade, and can even help maintain the pool's water quality. So, what are the best plants for around a pool? Let's dive in and explore some excellent options.

First, consider plants that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. This is because pool areas often have high traffic and can be exposed to more sunlight and heat than other parts of your yard. Additionally, you'll want to choose plants that are non-toxic to pets and children, as safety is paramount around the pool.

Water-Wise Plants

Water-wise plants are an excellent choice for pool areas as they require minimal water once established. This is beneficial as overwatering can lead to increased algae growth in your pool. Let's look at two water-wise plants that are perfect for poolside landscaping.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant, and low-maintenance plant that loves full sun and well-draining soil. It's drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Lavender's gray-green foliage and stunning purple flowers make it an attractive addition to any pool area. Plus, it's known for its repellent properties against pests like mosquitoes, adding an extra layer of protection around your pool.

To incorporate lavender into your poolside landscaping, consider planting it in clusters or along borders. Its compact size and mounding growth habit make it an excellent choice for edging and mass planting. Some popular varieties include 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', and 'Folgate'.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are another water-wise option that can add texture, movement, and visual interest to your pool area. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Many varieties have a graceful, arching growth habit that can create a sense of privacy around the pool.

Some great ornamental grass options for poolside landscaping include maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'). These grasses can be planted in groups or used as screens to create a sense of enclosure around the pool. They also provide habitat and food for local wildlife, helping to promote biodiversity in your landscape.

Pool-Friendly Trees

Trees can provide much-needed shade around the pool, helping to keep it cooler and reducing the need for chemicals to maintain water temperature. However, it's essential to choose trees that won't drop excessive debris into the pool and have non-invasive root systems. Let's explore two pool-friendly tree options.

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtles are deciduous trees known for their stunning summer blooms and attractive exfoliating bark. They are relatively fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Crepe myrtles have a rounded growth habit and can reach heights of 15-30 feet, making them an excellent choice for providing shade and privacy around the pool.

To incorporate crepe myrtles into your poolside landscaping, consider planting them in groups or as specimen plants. Some popular varieties include 'Natchez', 'Muskogee', and 'Catawba'. Keep in mind that crepe myrtles can be messy, dropping flowers and bark throughout the year. To minimize cleanup, consider planting them a few feet away from the pool's edge or opt for a variety with fewer messy characteristics, like 'Arapaho'.

Saucer Magnolia

Saucer magnolias are deciduous trees that produce stunning, large, white or pink flowers in early spring. They are relatively fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. Saucer magnolias have a rounded growth habit and can reach heights of 15-25 feet, making them an excellent choice for providing shade and privacy around the pool.

To incorporate saucer magnolias into your poolside landscaping, consider planting them as specimen plants or in small groups. Some popular varieties include 'Jane Magnolia', 'Ann', and 'Royal Star'. Keep in mind that saucer magnolias can be messy, dropping flowers and leaves throughout the year. To minimize cleanup, consider planting them a few feet away from the pool's edge or opt for a variety with fewer messy characteristics, like 'Little Gem'.

In your quest to create the perfect poolside landscape, remember that the best plants for around a pool are those that require minimal care, thrive in the conditions present, and complement your overall design aesthetic. By choosing water-wise plants, pool-friendly trees, and other suitable flora, you can create a beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance oasis around your pool. So, go ahead and dive into the world of poolside landscaping, and enjoy the fruits of your labor as you relax by the water's edge.