There’s nothing quite as relaxing as lounging by the poolside on a sunny day. Being surrounded by a beautiful, aromatic garden can take your relaxation to the next level.
However, with so many different options and sometimes limited knowledge about plant life, it can be hard to know just what to plant in order to create the poolside of your dreams. Here is some inspiration to get you started on the path to creating your own poolside oasis.
Before deciding which plants to use around your pool, there are a few things to consider:
Exposure to Water
The most obvious consideration when choosing plants for a poolside garden is how they react to water. If you know that happy children (or maybe playful adults) will be jumping in and splashing about, you’ll want to avoid plants which prefer dry soil, like orchids and some daylilies.
While most plants won’t react to the chlorine or salt water in the pool, you’ll want to get an expert opinion before planting any finicky plants. Realistically, the amount of water that will be hitting the plants should be minimal in the grand scheme of things.
Sun Exposure
Most people try to place their pool in a spot that gets a lot of sun. With that in mind, you’ll want to look at plants that enjoy sun exposure. Alternatively, if your oasis includes a pergola, you might have partial shade. If you get inspired by the Neave Pools suggestion of adding some luxury by building a rock cave or a grotto, you might need plants that like a cool, dark environment.
Potential for Contact
Choosing plants that stick close to the ground might not be the best option for lining your pool. Having these plants close to a high-traffic area can damage the plant and contribute to dirtying the pool.
Another consideration is keeping your pool clean. Think carefully when placing trees, and plants that will leave behind cones or seeds.
Without further ado, here are some perfect plants to consider:
- Bamboo — Bamboo will give your pool a tropical, Eastern hemisphere feel while enduring through cooler temperatures. While bamboo often flourishes in warmer climates, there is a selection of hardy varieties that will thrive further north.
- Palm Trees — Palm trees are the epitome of a tropical paradise that are often missed in northern climates. If you live in a southern region, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a palm tree to incorporate into your poolside garden. If you are further north, you will have to look into a harder variety, like a sago or needle palm.
- Climbing Flowers — Climbing flowers add a vertical element to your garden and create the easily visible blooms that stand out from the rest of your poolside plants. Clematis, climbing hibiscus, and morning glories are just a few climbers to consider, especially if you have a trellis or a pergola.
- Ferns and Hostas — Ferns and hostas add a prehistoric, tropical feel to your poolside garden. Both of these selections are versatile and offer varieties that do well in various environments and lighting. Hostas are especially hardy and have a tendency to overtake an area, so be mindful of cutting them back often.
- Banana Plants — While banana trees and plants perform better in warm climates, hardier varieties can thrive in northern areas with proper winter care and mulching. The Japanese fiber banana plant has been known to come back from subzero temperatures. Like palm trees, banana fronds are guaranteed to give your private oasis a rainforest feel.
- Canna — With its orange, red, pink, or yellow blossoms, and striking leaves, the canna comes in both dwarf and gigantic options, ranging from two to six feet in height. The leaves themselves range in color from black to green, to striped with bright, tropical colors. Depending on your location, you may have to mulch canna plants in the winter time or store them inside.
When you create your personal paradise, you can choose any sort of inspiration: tropical, wildflowers, and even rock gardens. Add features that speak to you, then escape to paradise in your own backyard.
