Download Pool Tip #6: Good Poolside Plants (PDF format, 18KB)

Plants which shed or create litter, or have large fruit or fronds should be avoided when selecting poolside plants. Small debris, like pine needles, that constantly fall into the pool will clog the recirculation system. Heavy debris may fall on and injure swimmers. Plants that attract insects, particularly bees, should not be planted at poolside. Plants which are prickly or have sharp thorns which might injure bathers should not be used inside the pool area. Trees which develop very deep or extensive root systems which might eventually break up and destroy a pool or pool deck should not be used. For safety reasons, remember to keep plants away from edges of the pool or from areas where they might obstruct the vision of the pool from the house.

Trees, shrubs, perennials and vines which act as windbreaks, are adaptable to containers, have large oval or broad rounded leaves, and which can withstand splashing are ideal for poolside landscaping. Most evergreen vines; trees such as palms, ficus, and tree ferns; Korean grass and other zoysia’s; and shrubs like camellias, junipers and succulent jade plants are good choices. A large variety of perennials thrive around pools, including aloe and agave succulents; lilies — especially agapanthus (Lily–of–the–Nile), torch lilies, ginger lilies, and daylilies; ornamental vegetables like artichokes; evergreen perennials like African iris and yuccas; tuberous rootstocks like canna, taro, elephant ears, and amaryllis; bird of paradise; philodendrons, and bog plants like papyrus.