Installing a pool is not just a decision regarding the functionality of your backyard. It’s also a decision determining the aesthetics of your property. This is where an adequate pool can make all the difference. However, the pool alone is not enough. You want the whole package, so pay as much attention to pool decking and landscaping.
The problem is that not all vegetation looks as good around pools. Some will drastically increase pool maintenance. Others with strong, quick-spreading roots that may damage the plumbing and even ruin the integrity of the pool. Then, some shed so much that they make proper pool maintenance near-impossible.
With all this in mind, here are a few suitable plants for this task.
1. Mediterranean fan palms
Many people want to make a Mediterranean look in their backyard, especially around their pool. Their ornamental value is immense, and they’re quite useful for air purification. The bottom line is that your pool’s surroundings will be more pleasant to spend time around.
One of the things that makes them a favorite of many pool and landscape contractors is their low maintenance. This means that, once planted, there’s not much work (in terms of pruning and watering) around them. In other words, when they’re installed, there’s not much that can go wrong.
It’s also worth mentioning that they’re hardy and can withstand a wide range of different temperatures. This alone makes them suitable for all sorts of climates.
They’re relatively small compared to other palms, ideal for smaller gardens. Since you’ll already struggle to figure out how much pool is too much pool, being able to save space somewhere will be a huge win.
1. Agave
One of the things you want in a pool plant is high drought tolerance. You see, pools are the most popular in areas with hot summers. Sure, just because the water is in the pool doesn’t mean the rest of the property is irrigated. While you want the surrounding vegetation and the pool to act as two parts of the same thing, infrastructurally, you want to keep them apart.
Another thing to take into consideration is the fact that they’re fire-resistant. Now, many people love to have a barbecue by the pool. This is an extra barrier. Wildfires may be a significant concern if you live in an arid environment.
One more thing to take into consideration is that they’re allergy-friendly. Agave plants are generally among those that produce the least pollen.
Lastly, from the maintenance standpoint, agave produces very low litter levels. This means they won’t increase the level of necessary maintenance by too much.
2. Succulents
Like agave, succulents are drought tolerant and require low maintenance.
Succulents come in many shapes and colors, so you can make them fit the scene, regardless of what you aim to do with them. Also, they’re not spreading too wildly, which means they’re ideal for planting in small spaces around the pool or placed in containers on the pool deck.
Previously, we’ve mentioned many times that most people build pools in dry areas. These areas are usually under a great risk of erosion. The root system produced by succulents may stabilize the soil, stopping this process. Some areas are also at risk of wildfire, and succulents can also help slow this down.
3. Bougainvillea
What if you don’t want to get something to fit the desert theme? What if you don’t want to plant a cactus or agave? What if you want something more colorful?
The best answer to all of these questions is to install bougainvillea.
This small tree/flower in vibrant colors can either be in a planter or planted directly into the soil.
It attracts pollinators, which means that if there are other plants around whose bloom you want to kickstart, this is probably the best way. Since it’s also disease resistant, you don’t have to worry about something spreading to the rest of the garden.
Now, one thing that’s great about bougainvillea is that it has an incredibly high salt tolerance. This makes it ideal for coastal regions.
Bougainvillea is also pest resistant, which means that you won’t have to pollute the surrounding of your pool with pesticides.
4. Papyrus
This tall, slender plant can create one of the best natural barriers ever seen. This means that if you want to create privacy around your pool (which should always be objective).
The biggest problem with papyrus is that it requires a certain level of soil moisture and decent exposure to the sun. This means it’s not as versatile a solution as other items on this list.
If you plant papyrus in a natural pond, you can rely on it for water filtration. It’s amazing in water purification, and this is one of the things that was commonly used in ancient times.
The next thing you should know about papyrus is its aromatic properties. It could enhance the ambiance on the property quite a bit. Pleasant smells help reduce stress, which is why some people use incense, and you may try papyrus.
5. Daylilies
Daylilies are incredibly easy to grow, which makes them perfect for amateur gardeners.
They have a long blooming period, meaning you can enjoy their blooms for up to a few months. Since they have a pleasant fragrance, this will make spending time around your pool even more enjoyable.
One more thing that helps enhance the ambiance is the fact that daylilies attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This adds a hint of nature to your poolside garden without adding too much maintenance. Just remember that the advanced selection of wildlife it attracts is impossible. This means you may also see more pests than you normally would.
Wrap up
The bottom line is that when picking plants to grow around your pool, you don’t want to restrict yourself to just one. Also, think of the bigger picture. Even if there’s more debris, this isn’t as big of a problem if these plants are not immediately next to the pool (because of the deck). Strategize and do your research before making any decisions.
