The right plants can transform a pool into a private oasis. However, you must choose the plants you use for your pool surround very carefully, as defoliation can lead to filter blockages, algae build-up in the pool and often once planted they are very difficult to remove.
Many times, swimming pools can affect the microclimate of your yard or hotel, increasing humidity levels and reflecting the sun's rays. Very often still, the plants around the pool are affected by the chlorine. Considering all these factors, tree planting around the pool is a challenge. Below we list a series of options for planting trees that do not create problems in the pool and do not require a lot of attention as well as some plants that require a little more attention, but deserve it.
Plants that not only thrive around the pool, but complement and upgrade the aesthetics of the landscape in the surrounding area.
1. Clean and green
In this tranquil courtyard, a combination of fig trees / ficus microcarpa (Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii), bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis) and a low-growing ground cover plant looks effortlessly elegant. For a similar effect choose poolside plantings with interesting forms and foliage and leave the colorful flowers for other areas of the garden.
The advantage of the ficus is that it has very limited shedding and its foliage is replenished very quickly, thus offering a dense cover whether you want to isolate the space for privacy, or to cover an unsightly fence. Like all bamboo, it does show some leaf drop, but the designer cleverly placed it well back from the pool for easy sweeping. At night, a subtle projection highlights tree trunks and striated bamboo stems. All plants in this garden thrive in full sun and have moderate water requirements.
2. Ornamental plants
Cacti and succulents such as agave, yucca and heveria are excellent choices for pool surrounds. They last year round with minimal care, don't stain, thrive in sunny conditions and are quite durable - especially when it comes to being splashed by some chlorinated water. For best results, choose cacti and succulents with interesting forms, such as fern, erect Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida) and ringed blue chalk (Senecio serpens). Planting them near a wall or close enough to the pool so that their forms are reflected in the water will enhance the picturesqueness of the landscape.
3. Beach style
For an elegant, beach-resort-style backyard, the designer of this pool combines white sandstone with a built-in planter filled with dark foliage plants. The contrast of the dark foliage of the Magnolia trees and the groundcover Lilyturf (Ophiopogon jaburan) against the white walls is a striking combination.
Magnolia grows in full sun, while Lilyturf appreciates some shade provided by taller trees. Both plants require minimal maintenance and do not stain.
4. Colorful tropical bouquet
This bright orange wall and cascade of pink bougainvillea makes a colorful thunderous statement in a pool house entryway. Although bougainvillea shed quite a bit of their blooms throughout their bloom, it's worth it to collect fallen blooms from the pool for such a spectacular display of flowers. Try to place it far enough from the pool to minimize fallen leaves and flowers in the pool.
Bougainvillea thrive in sun and warm locations - including walls next to swimming pools - where many other plants would wilt.
5. Uneven planting
If your pool is sloped or elevated, use the difference in height to highlight your pool design with flower beds. In this backyard, the pool design incorporates a small spillway to take advantage of the water level change and flower beds with ornamental boxwoods (Buxus sp) and lavender (behind the sunbeds). The end result is a mix of cool blues, greens and purples. The plants all thrive in full sun and have moderate water requirements.
6. Little water, ecological (pollinating friendly)
This colorful sloping planting in a garden in Northern California, USA, makes not only a spectacular pool backdrop but also supports native birds and insects. Immediately behind the waterfall of water that pours into the pool, there is a planted row of blue-green agave, Weave Agave (Agave Weberi).
Behind the agave, pearl 'Garnet' penstemon and yellow kangaroo (Anigozanthos sp) flowers on the right are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects and birds. All the plants pictured grow best in full sun and have low water requirements.
7. Resort chic
This easy pairing of Alexandrian palms (Ptychosperma elegans) and jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) in an indoor garden looks lush and tropical without requiring much maintenance. Palm trees are a classic pool plant – they instantly make a mild-climate garden look tropical.
Jasmine is especially useful for the ground by the pool. It thrives in bright sunlight, benefits from increased pool moisture and can fill the ground in just two years. In the spring, the ground will be filled with white flowers that will perfume the pool with a sweet scent.
8. Linear Grasses
Another idea and application is how you can use the surface of the water to create a reflection of the plantings. Some plants with linear forms, such as agave and various upright ornamental grasses, look particularly striking when reflected in water.
For the planting of this pool, the landscape architect used a row of 'Karl Foerster' grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') to create a beautiful reflection of gold and greens on the dark surface of the pool.
The “Karl Foerster” grass series also acts as a light, airy privacy curtain, gracefully separating the pool area from the larger garden.
9. Mediterranean temperament
Right next to this vineyard, a pool surrounded by silver foliage and lavender blossoms makes for a pretty pastel backdrop. Many of the plants selected are drought tolerant, such as olive trees (Olea europaea), dusty miller (Senecio sp.) and thyme. When in bloom, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and thyme will also attract pollinators. All plants thrive in the sun.
Your turn:
What plants or trees have you successfully planted from your pool? Let us know in the comments below and join the conversation.