Everyone loves diving into a pool in the middle of summer, but having lush plants around your poolside seating and entertaining areas makes it that much more enjoyable, shadier, and private. The right poolside plants also add fragrance, color, texture, and movement to your space while attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Whether you choose to put these sun-loving plants in pots and planters for vibrant outdoor décor or plant them directly into the landscape, it is important to know which species can handle the intense sun, reflected heat, and occasional splashes of chlorinated water. You need full sun annuals, full sun perennials, evergreen privacy bushes, and drought-tolerant plants that are up for the challenge!
Top Five Poolside Container Plants
Whether your pool is an indoor natatorium or outside, these tropical container gardening stars handle the hottest full sun locations with style! Great outside year-round in mild winter growing zones, or as potted plants that can be brought indoors or into greenhouses, so northern climates can enjoy them too!
Citrus Trees: Perfect for small-space gardening and sunny patios, Citrus Trees have glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant white blossoms, and delicious fruit. Dwarf varieties like the Improved Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree thrive in large containers. Who wouldn't want a tart twist of lemon or lime within reach while lounging around the pool?
Tropical Hibiscus: The big, vivacious blossoms of the Hawaiian Hibiscus bring a vacation vibe, with evergreen leaves and a continuous supply of blooms perfect for colorful poolside pots. Live in a cold climate? Plant Hardy Hibiscus instead!
Bay Trees: Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) adds edible evergreen foliage and a sculptural form, ideal for formal container displays.
Buddha Hand Fruit Tree: This unique fruit tree doubles as a conversation starter and a fragrant focal point in your patio garden.
Fig Trees: Bring the Mediterranean home with Fig trees in pots or in-ground, offering shade and sweet fruit in warmer zones.
Top Five Poolside Landscaping Plants
Screen off your sunbathing area or add a touch of privacy around the hot tub with these flowering bushes, evergreen shrubs, and fragrant selections.
Hardy Hibiscus: Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant, Hardy Hibiscus provides dinner-plate blooms without missing a beat in hot summer climates.
Gardenia: Radiant white blossoms and glossy evergreen leaves make Gardenia bushes perfect for scented poolside hedges.
Osmanthus: Durable evergreen bushes that deliver privacy and perfume! Choose from:
- Fragrant Tea Olive
- Delavay Osmanthus
- Burkwood Osmanthus
- Party Lights™ Osmanthus
- Gulftide Osmanthus
False Cypress: From Pinpoint Blue & Gold to Compact Hinoki, False Cypress trees and shrubs are refined, low-maintenance options for year-round structure.
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina): This fine-textured evergreen adds seasonal red color, fragrant blooms, and low-maintenance privacy.
Top Five Poolside Barrier Plants
For a living fence that says "Keep Out" with natural beauty, these barrier plants combine dense growth, evergreen foliage, and thorny deterrents.
- Osmanthus False Holly: Prickly and perfumed.
- Rose Bushes: Rugosa Roses for durability, climbing roses for romance.
- Holly Bushes: Holly shrubs add seasonal berries, and some have thorny leaves to add security
- Barberry Bushes: Colorful foliage with serious thorns.
- Firethorn Shrubs (Pyracantha): Evergreen and loaded with bright red berries.
Top Five Poolside Shade Trees
Shade your lanai with these evergreen trees and exotic selections that will not litter the pool.
- Palm Trees: Majesty, Areca, Windmill, and Jelly Palms for tropical charm.
- Banana Plants: Huge leaves and lush privacy.
- Olive Trees: Silver foliage and edible fruit.
- Crape Myrtle Trees: Long-lasting blooms and multi-season interest. Or try smaller Crape Myrtle shrubs if space is tight.
- Magnolia Trees: Big leaves, big blooms, and butterflies.
Top Five Perennials for Poolside Planting
For lasting beauty, choose xeric perennials and ornamental grasses that love the heat and sunshine.
- Daylilies: Long-blooming, heat-proof, and pollinator-friendly.
- Sedum: Groundcover options for mass planting or containers.
- Yuccas: Architectural foliage with tall flowering spikes.
- Summer Flowering Bulbs: Canna Lily, Dahlia, Gladiolus, and Caladium for vibrant summer annual appeal.
- Ornamental Grasses: Muhly Grass, Pampas Grass, and Maiden Grass for rustling privacy.
Caring For Plants In The Splash Zone
Poolside plants face extreme light, heat, and reflected glare. To keep them happy:
- Select plants suited to your USDA Zone and full sun exposure.
- Use well-drained, enriched soil and a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch.
- Water deeply and check soil moisture using the Finger Test.
- For containers, ensure excellent drainage and add organic matter to regulate moisture and heat.
Poolside Is Their Best Side!
Even though swimming pools can be a challenging environment, these drought-tolerant plants, evergreen shrubs, and full sun perennials will turn your backyard into a lush retreat.
Pick varieties that are low-maintenance, mess-free, and suited to your climate, then let Nature Hills help you make a splash this summer!
Happy Swimming!
