Choosing the right plants around your pool will transform it into a magical oasis. By combining landscape design magic with the proper pool care, you will find the key to creating a poolside paradise. Pool maintenance is just as essential as picking the proper plants for your pool’s looks, and if you want to master it, visit ByRossi – one of the best sources of recommendations and critical reviews of pools and hot tubs in the US and UK.
In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 best plants around the pool. Let’s discover the perfect balance of shade and visual appeal by exploring the unique characteristics of each one.
1. Palm trees: Tropical plants around the pool
Tropical palm trees, with their tall, slender trunks and elegant foliage, instantly create a vacation atmosphere around your pool.
Consider the climate of your region when selecting plants around your pool. With the right choice and care, tropical palms will transform your area into a lush paradise reminiscent of a beach resort. Here are some tips that will help you with this:
- Use well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter to ensure healthy growth.
- Palms need constant watering but do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
- Feed palm trees with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, spring, and summer.
- Regularly remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain a clean and attractive appearance.
- If you live in a cold climate, consider protecting the palm tree from frost during the winter months by wrapping the trunk and crowns.
2. Hibiscus: Vibrant blooms for your poolside relaxation
Lift the poolside atmosphere with the stunning presence of hibiscus. These radiant flowers will add vibrant colors and tropical charm around your pool.
Hibiscus boasts a variety of enchanting hues, from fiery reds to oranges and pale pinks. These vibrant flowers are not only enchanting to the eye but also attract pollinating insects, improving the ecosystem around your pool. To create a dynamic and visually appealing area, plant hibiscus varieties that grow well in your climate.
3. Agave: Aesthetic elegance and low maintenance
The architectural beauty of the agave lies in its unique rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that radiate outward from a central point. Their symmetrical shape and often intricate leaf patterns create a fascinating focal point that easily complements modern minimalist pool designs.
Here’s everything you need to know about these plants around the pool:
- Agaves are champions of water conservation, requiring infrequent watering once they are established.
- Plants like to bask in the sun.
- These hardy plants don’t need much fertilization. A balanced, slow-release chemical substance once a year during the growing season is usually sufficient.
- The robust nature of agave makes it less susceptible to pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical intervention.
- Pruning is usually minimal and consists of removing dead or damaged leaves. Thorny leaves naturally deter animals from grazing.
4. Ornamental grasses: Adding texture and movement
Unlike traditional static plants, ornamental grasses fill the space with a sense of vitality, drawing your attention as they catch the light and sway with every gust of wind.
Whether you plant them directly in the ground or in pots, these plants around a ground pool are sure to captivate your eyes. Here are some design tips:
- Use a combination of ornamental grasses of different heights and textures to create depth and visual interest around your pool.
- Position the grasses so that their vibrations are reflected in the water, enhancing their mesmerizing effect.
- For pots, choose tall and graceful grasses, such as Zebra Grass to create a dramatic focal point for the container.

Plants to Place Around Your Pool
5. Lavender: Fragrance and color of plants around the pool in pots
The heady scent of lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. These plants around the pool in pots not only add fragrance to your outdoor space, but the delicate purple or white flowers also create a color spectrum that complements the serene backdrop of the water.
All you need to know about this unpretentious flower is that it does not like excessively humid conditions and thrives in full sun. By pruning it after flowering and hiding the pot in a quiet and dark place, you will prolong its natural beauty.
6. The Bird of Paradise: A majestic presence by the pool
The Bird of Paradise plant is characterized by large banana-like leaves and unique flowers that resemble a colorful bird in flight.
Due to their height and density, they are a great natural privacy screen, protecting your pool from prying eyes. Once planted, Paradise Birds are relatively low-maintenance. They can thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate regular watering and occasional fertilization.
7. Bougainvillea: An explosion of color and privacy
The sprawling growth pattern and dense foliage of bougainvillea make it the perfect choice for creating a natural privacy screen around your pool. When the vines climb and intertwine over grates or fences, they form a living barrier that protects your area from prying eyes.
There are a few minimal steps to make the plant grow and bushy:
- Choose a location where the bougainvillea will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Regularly prune and shape the bougainvillea to give it a neat appearance and stimulate new growth.
- Install sturdy fences or other support structures for the vines to climb.
8. Succulents: Variety and smart water choices
Succulents, the epitome of efficient beauty, offer a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors to decorate your poolside haven. These water wonders thrive in hot environments, making them a great choice for pools.
From the architectural elegance of agave to the delicate rosettes of echeveria, succulents bring a touch of the exotic while conserving water. Plant them in pots or directly in the ground.
9. Citrus trees: Visual appeal and freshness of plants around the pool
Citrus trees are known for their evergreen foliage, which provides a year-round green backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of your pool. When the lemons, oranges, and limes are in bloom, their fragrant flowers scent the air.
Dwarf varieties are well known for their compact size and easy growth, and are perfect when choosing plants in pots around the pool. They produce fragrant flowers and aromatic, juicy fruits that are great for culinary and beverage purposes.
10. Jasmine: Fragrant vines for the evening atmosphere
The scent of jasmine is often compared to sweet perfume and has a calming effect on the senses. The association of the plant around the pool with night flowering adds even more mystique to it.
By planting jasmine by the pool, you will join traditions and stories from around the world. In some cultures, it symbolizes purity and love, while in others, it is associated with spiritual growth and well-being.
Conclusion: The best plants around the pool
Whether you are looking for bright splashes of color, soothing scents, privacy screens, or just the joy of picking fresh fruit, the choice of plants around the pool varies.
Plant by plant, you can create a space that will provide solace and relaxation. So create the outdoor oasis you’ve always imagined!