I know that many homeowners aspire to transform their houses into green spaces. Swimming pool is a perfect area that make your dream come true.
In this area, you can plant trees and flowers uplifting your outdoor space and living harmony with the natural environment.
However, selecting the right plants that thrive in their specific climate, soil, and environmental conditions can be a daunting task.
In this article, I will introduce the top 30 ideal plants around the pool. These selections promise to beautify your outdoor space and create an atmosphere where you can truly relax and enjoy life.
#1. Palm Trees (Arecaceae)
Palm trees have large, feathery frond leaves and produce clusters of small white or yellow flowers. They are evergreen perennials that can live for decades.
Plant them in the ground near the pool area. Their tall, narrow trunks and overhanging fronds provide shade and a tropical aesthetic perfect for poolside relaxation.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full to partial sunlight
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 60 ft. tall
#2. Ornamental Grasses
In the next summer, try to add Ornamental Grass to your swimming pool.
Ornamental grasses have narrow, linear leaves that sway gracefully in the breeze. Many varieties produce airy plumes or tufted flowerheads.
These perennials can be planted in pots or in the ground near the pool. They are perfect for blending with various landscaping styles and providing a natural, flowing aesthetic.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: various soil types
- Mature Size: 6 ft. tall
#3. Bird of Paradise
Why don’t you make your poolside appealing with the Bird of Paradise flower?
This plant features striking orange and blue flowers that resemble exotic birds, along with large, banana-like leaves.
Plant it in the ground near the pool for best growth. Its bold foliage and showy blooms provide a lush, tropical look ideal for creating a resort-like poolside oasis.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall
#4. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus shrubs bear large, flamboyant flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow or orange, along with deep green, maple-like leaves.
They are evergreen perennials and live in pots or in the ground near the pool.
Their vibrant, tropical blooms and lush foliage create a colorful, private screen and cheerful atmosphere around the pool deck.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy
- Mature Size: 4–10 ft. tall
#5. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
If you are busy and do not have much time to care for your home landscape, Bougainvillea will be a perfect choice.
Bougainvillea vines are covered in vibrant bracts that resemble flowers in shades of purple, red, orange, or white. The actual flowers are small and white.
Its drought tolerance and sprawling, colorful branches make it ideal for creating dramatic, colorful backdrops around pools.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall
#6. Lavender (Lavandula)
Do you want your house covered by scent and beautiful blooms? Try Lavender.
Lavender features narrow, grey-green leaves and striking purple flower spikes. Plant lavender in pots or garden beds near the pool.
The aromatic foliage and flowers emit a calming scent. Lavender borders create a soothing atmosphere and help deter pests like mosquitoes from the pool area.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: full sun
- Soil: well-drained
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall
#7. Agave (Agave spp.)
It’s great to own Agave around the swimming pool!
Agave plants have thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a dense rosette shape. They produce a tall stalk with clustered yellow or green flowers once before dying.
Plant them in the ground surrounding the pool deck for a sculptural, southwestern aesthetic. Their spiky leaves also deter foot traffic around the pool.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun, partial shade
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 5-10 ft. tall
#8. Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe vera has thick, succulent leaves arranged in a rosette shape and produces tall spikes of tubular yellow or red flowers.
It is a perennial that is put in pots or garden beds near the pool.
Their fleshy leaves provide a architectural element and can be used to treat minor burns and sunburns from too much pool time.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
#9. Banana Plants (Musa spp.)
Have you ever tried to grow Banana plants near the pool yet?
They have large, paddle-shaped leaves that unfurl from a thick stem. They produce hanging clusters of inedible reddish or purplish flowers followed by banana fruit.
Plant them in the ground near the pool to provide lush, leafy screening and create a private, tropical paradise. Their overarching leaves also offer welcome shade around the pool deck.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-draining, fertile soil
- Mature Size: 10-20 ft. tall
#10. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
Crepe myrtles are deciduous trees/shrubs with striking flowers in shades of red, pink, purple or white. The blooms appear on long panicles contrasting with the small, oval green leaves.
Plant them in the ground near the pool, bringing ornamental interest poolside during warm months.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 5-20 ft. tall
#11. Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns feature lacy, feathery fronds that unfurl from rhizomes or fibrous roots. Most are perennials that spread via spores rather than flowers.
Plant ferns in shaded areas around the pool. Their delicate textures and lush greenery create a serene, woodland feel and provide softening accents around the pool hardscaping.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: partial to full shade
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall
#12. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Don’t hesitate to grow Lantana near your swimming pool because of its exotic colors!
Lantana is a flowering shrub with clusters of tiny tubular blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink or white.
Plant lantana in the ground or in large pots surrounding the pool. Its colorful blooms, easy care, and ability to attract butterflies make it a perfect poolside plant.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall
#13. Elephant Ears (Colocasia spp.)
Have you ever tried to make the outside scene covered by green? Consider Elephant Ears.
Elephant ears are known for their large, heart or arrow-shaped leaves. They produce small, upright flowers.
Grow this plant on the ground near the pool to provide bold foliage texture and lush screening around the deck.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 5-6 ft. tall
#14. Canna Lily (Canna spp.)
If you want to make the poolside eye-catching and exotic, it’s no better than Canna Lily.
Canna lilies have large, banana-like leaves and produce showy flowers resembling iris or gladiolus blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow or pink.
These rhizomatous perennials live around the pool, to create a vibrant, tropical display with their bright flowers and bold foliage.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall
#15. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
Zebra grass features striped green and yellow blade-like leaves arranged in an upright, arching clump. It is a perennial ornamental grass.
Plant zebra grass in the ground or in pots surrounding the pool deck. Its distinctive striped foliage adds texture and visual interest to complement the pool’s hardscaping.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: moist soil
- Mature Size: 4-7 ft. tall
#16. Jasmine (Jasminum)
Consider growing Jasmine for its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance.
Jasmine is a vining plant with dark green leaves and clusters of tiny, tubular white flowers that emit an intense, sweet fragrance.
It is an evergreen perennial best planted in the ground near the pool.
The lovely aroma and twining growth habit makes jasmine ideal for creating a romantic, perfumed oasis around the pool.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 10-20 ft. tall
#17. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Think about planting Gardenia for its thick, glossy green leaves and heavily fragrant white flowers. Plant gardenias in large pots or in garden beds near the pool.
Their intoxicating floral aroma and lush foliage create an elegant, perfumed ambiance perfect for outdoor entertaining around the pool.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: moist soil
- Mature Size: 3-6 ft. tall
#18. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
You can also add Sago Palm to your poolside decoration for its thick, shaggy trunk topped by a crown of stiff, feather-like green leaves.
Though not true palms, they are slow-growing perennials.
Their sculptural form and contrasting textures provide architectural interest when planted in the ground or in pots flanking the pool deck.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun, partial shade
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
#19. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Interested in a shade-loving plant? Hostas are perfect with their lush foliage and subtle, sometimes fragrant flowers in shades of white or lavender.
You can consider growing it in handing baskets or on ground to make pool area become healthy ecosystem.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: low sunlight
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
#20. Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
If you are looking for a striking plant, consider Yucca. It has spiky leaves and tall flower spikes, adds a dramatic touch to poolside landscapes.
This perennial plant is ideal for both pots and ground planting. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it a perfect choice for pool areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: a wide range of soil types
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
#21. Ivy (Hedera helix)
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your pool area, Ivy is an excellent choice. With its cascading foliage, it creates a lush green backdrop around pools.
Its dense growth provides privacy, shades pool areas, and softens hard surfaces. Ivy’s evergreen leaves offer year-round beauty, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of swimming pool landscapes.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: full shade
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall
#22. Magnolia Trees (Magnolia grandiflora)
For poolside landscapes, Magnolia Trees are renowned for their large, fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves.
Planted beside the pool or in large pots, magnolias provide shade, beauty, and a touch of Southern charm, enhancing the ambiance of any swimming pool area.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall
#23. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Choose Oleander with its glossy green leaves and vibrant clusters of flowers, brings beauty to poolside landscapes.
As a hardy evergreen shrub, it adds color and texture, creating a lush backdrop while providing privacy and shade for a tranquil pool area.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: a wide range of soil types
- Mature Size: 6-12 ft. tall
#24. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Are you interested in attracting pollinators to your poolside oasis? Consider Salvia Salvia, with its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage
This perennial herb can be planted in pots or directly in the ground beside the pool.
It adds color, and infuses the pool area with a delightful fragrance, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for relaxation.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
#25. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Boxwood is a perfect addition of structure and elegance to your poolside landscape. It offers dense, evergreen foliage, requires little maintenance and adds year-round greenery to poolside landscapes.
Boxwood creates privacy, adds structure, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the pool area with its classic elegance.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: partial, full sun
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
#26. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Have you ever thought of adding a touch of drought-tolerant beauty to your poolside garden? Sedum is an excellent choice.
Sedum, with its succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, is a low-maintenance perennial ideal for poolside landscaping.
Whether planted in pots or in the ground beside the pool, Sedum adds texture, color, and a touch of elegance to the pool area.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall
#27. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers, known for their large, vibrant blooms and coarse, hairy leaves, bring a cheerful and sunny vibe to pool areas.
Whether planted in pots or directly in the ground beside the pool, sunflowers provide shade, privacy, and a stunning backdrop for poolside gatherings and relaxation.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall
#28. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Are you looking to add a burst of color and fragrance to your poolside oasis? Choose Marigolds.
With their vibrant blooms and fern-like foliage, They add a splash of color around the pool. These annuals are perfect for planting in pots or directly in the ground beside the pool.
Marigolds repel mosquitoes and other pests, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for swimming and lounging.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
#29. Cypress Trees (Cupressus spp)
If you are passionate about adding privacy and beauty to your pool area, consider Cypress Trees.
With their evergreen foliage and conical shape, they provides a classic, elegant look around the pool.
These trees are ideal for planting directly in the ground beside the pool. Cypress trees offer privacy, shade, and a picturesque backdrop for poolside relaxation.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 20-70 ft. tall
#30. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Star Jasmine is a perfect choice if you are engaged in elegance style and fragrance.
This plant, with its glossy, dark green leaves and delicate white flowers, is a charming addition around the pool.
This perennial vine is well-suited for both ground planting and container growth near pools. Its fragrant blooms and lush foliage create a serene ambiance,
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 3-20 ft. tall
Based on the above suggestion, make your pool more colorful and attractive. Besides, Garden and Crafty provides other tips to beautify your pool. Let’s visit and enjoy them.
