A touch of greenery can really spruce up your pool — if you choose the right foliage. But some plants can put a real damper on your next pool party. Here’s a list of some that will go swimmingly in your backyard
Ornamental Grasses
These low maintenance plants offer a lot of depth and movement around a pool and require little to no water. Some varieties like Zebra grass come in variegated colors and offer a good contrast to blue pool water. Ornamental grasses do well when planted together to form a barrier and create privacy around the pool.
Shrubs
Whether you’re enjoying a skinny dip or just trying to hide that old, worn bathing suit, privacy is one of the perks of owning your own pool. A few shrubs will make a great addition along any poolside and obstruct the view from nosy neighbors. Hydrangeas are a good option for those areas near the edges of the yard since these plants tend to grow quite large. Other options for smaller shrubs that can handle splashes of pool water? Tropical Hibiscus can offer both privacy and a hint of lusciousness to your pool area with large sun-loving blooms.
Succulents
Many homeowners choose to use succulents in and around their home since these plants are low maintenance. Known for their water capacities, succulents come in a variety of different shapes, colors, and forms that offer an interesting touch to landscape design. Choose larger succulents, like Crassula or Yucca, that offer a rich green color to the space while also serving as a barrier. Smaller succulents, like Aeonium and Sedum, offer more intricate beauty and can be used to fill in bare areas around the pool. They also mix within other plants.
Trees
Palm trees are known as the epitome of poolside trees since they help create that tropical atmosphere. These large beauties not only provide ample shade for a pool area but also have little leaf drop meaning you’ll spend less time skimming the debris out of the pool. You should also consider planting dwarf sized fruit trees that would stay small but still offer bountiful produce and a lot of color as they mature.
Salt Loving Plants
It’s important to note that salt water pools may be great for some plants, but frequent splashing could easily kill off others. Choose plants that are common along ocean areas, like Century Plant or Holly, that can easily tolerate salt water splashes. If you’re looking to add color to your pool area, consider adding a touch of Daylily or Blanket Flower that can bring beautiful hues to the overall pool design. There are other trees that can tolerate salt spray, but some may drop leaves or blooms into the pool.
Bug Repellants
Pools are a natural magnet for mosquitoes. You can counteract these little pests by planting mosquito repelling varieties. Basil, citronella, and geraniums are great to use as potted plants around a pool area in order to make your time outdoors more enjoyable. Since you’re using potted plants, you can easily move them around the pool as needed.
Choosing the right plants for the landscape design in your pool area is key to creating a pleasant atmosphere. Keep in mind, some of the prettiest foliage loses its luster when planted near the pool. A rose by any other name still has thorns and attracts bees.
source: https://www.swimmingpool.com/blog/the-best-plants-for-landscaping-around-your-pool/