The Best Low-Maintenance, Stylish, and Safe Poolside Landscaping Plants for a Beautiful Retreat
A well-designed pool area should feel like your own private getaway—and the right landscaping can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, add shade, or create a lush resort-style vibe, choosing the right poolside landscaping plants is key. These plants need to be beautiful, low-maintenance, and resilient to sun, heat, and occasional splashes of chlorinated water.
Thinking about upgrading your pool area? The team at Borst Landscape & Design can help you choose and install the perfect plants to complement your lifestyle.
Reach out online or call us at (201) 822-9327 to schedule your free consultation.
What Makes a Plant Ideal for Poolside Landscaping?
Not every plant can handle life next to a pool. Wind, water, and intense summer sun can take a toll. The best poolside landscaping plants have several traits in common:
- Tolerant of heat and full sun
- Low-maintenance and non-messy
- Chlorine/saltwater splash resistant
- Not overly fragrant or prone to dropping leaves
Incorporating these types of plants not only boosts your pool’s appeal but also creates a more enjoyable, hassle-free outdoor living space.
1. Ornamental Grasses: Texture and Movement
Ornamental grasses add soft texture and natural movement to your poolside landscape. Many varieties are heat-tolerant and require little maintenance, making them a smart choice.
Top picks include:
- Maiden grass (Miscanthus) – Tall, feathery plumes and graceful form
- Blue fescue – Compact, drought-tolerant, and great for borders
- Fountain grass – Adds a tropical touch with arching blades and fuzzy flowers
Grasses pair beautifully with hardscapes and create a breezy, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for lounging poolside.
2. Tropical-Looking Plants for a Resort Feel
Want your backyard to feel like a high-end resort? Incorporate tropical-looking plants that offer lush foliage and vibrant color.
Great options:
- Canna lilies – Bold, broad leaves and vivid flowers in reds, oranges, and yellows
- Elephant ears – Oversized, dramatic leaves make a strong design statement
- Bird of paradise – Exotic blooms and upright form for visual impact
These plants thrive in the warmth and bring a dramatic, vacation-ready vibe to your pool area.
3. Evergreens and Shrubs for Privacy
Privacy is one of the most common reasons homeowners invest in poolside landscaping. Evergreens and structured shrubs provide year-round coverage and help define the space.
Recommended evergreens:
- Boxwood – Classic, neat, and easy to shape into hedges
- Juniper – Hardy and drought-tolerant with varieties in many shapes and sizes
- Arborvitae – A tall screen option that’s excellent for creating a living wall
If you prefer a softer, layered look, combine these with flowering shrubs or perennial grasses to break up the uniformity.
4. Flowering Perennials for Color and Seasonal Interest
Perennials are a cost-effective way to introduce color and seasonal variety. Choose long-blooming, sun-loving varieties that won’t wilt in the heat or create too much mess around your pool.
Ideal choices:
- Coreopsis – Bright yellow blooms and a long flowering season
- Salvia – Drought-tolerant with purple, blue, or pink spikes
- Black-eyed Susan – Hardy and low-maintenance with sunny blooms
For best results, group perennials in clusters and combine with mulch to keep weeds down and moisture in.
5. Low-Growing Ground Covers for Edging and Fill
Ground covers help prevent erosion and soften hardscapes around the pool. Many varieties spread quickly and are tolerant of heat and foot traffic.
Top picks:
- Creeping thyme – Fragrant, hardy, and great between pavers
- Sedum (stonecrop) – Succulent and drought-tolerant with colorful foliage
- Liriope – Also known as monkey grass, it provides grassy texture and blooms in late summer
These plants are perfect for narrow spaces or transition zones between patio and planting beds.
6. Container Plants for Flexibility and Style
Container gardening allows you to move plants as needed, making it easy to change your poolside layout with the seasons. Choose decorative pots and position them in sun-drenched corners or shady lounge areas.
Container-friendly plants:
- Agave – Sculptural and low-water, ideal for a modern aesthetic
- Lavender – Provides scent, texture, and pollinator appeal
- Geraniums – Classic poolside blooms with vibrant colors and long life
For a cohesive look, use matching or complementary pots and repeat plant varieties throughout the space.
7. Trees for Shade and Structure
Strategically placed trees can provide much-needed shade, help cool surrounding areas, and add architectural interest to your poolscape. Look for non-messy, slow-growing trees with deep roots that won’t interfere with pool systems.
Smart tree options:
- Japanese maple – Compact, elegant, and ideal for small spaces
- Crape myrtle – Heat-loving, with long-lasting blooms and smooth bark
- Palm trees (in containers or select species) – A classic for tropical-themed yards
Be sure to position trees away from the pool edge to avoid root issues and constant leaf cleanup.
Poolside Landscaping Safety Considerations
In addition to appearance, it’s important to consider safety and practicality when choosing poolside plants.
Things to avoid:
- Spiky or thorny plants like cacti or roses near walkways
- Plants that attract bees in large numbers, especially near seating areas
- Fruit-bearing trees or shrubs that can drop debris into the pool
- Invasive root systems that could interfere with hardscaping or plumbing
Choose plants that are non-toxic to pets and children, especially if you have little ones who may explore the landscape.
Tips for Designing a Cohesive Poolside Landscape
- Keep plantings low-maintenance—you’ll enjoy your pool more if you’re not constantly cleaning up leaves or pruning.
- Use repetition of color or texture to create visual harmony.
- Layer plant heights—tall shrubs or trees in the back, perennials and grasses in the middle, ground covers up front.
- Add lighting to highlight plantings at night and create ambiance.
- Use mulch or decorative rock to keep weeds down and reduce watering needs.
Working with a landscape designer can ensure your poolscaping, from plant selections to layout, is well-suited for your space, lifestyle, and local conditions.
Create the Poolside Paradise You’ve Been Dreaming Of
Your pool area should be more than just functional—it should feel like a luxurious outdoor retreat. The right poolside landscaping plants can frame your pool beautifully, add privacy, and create a serene atmosphere for everything from family fun to elegant entertaining.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we know how to turn your ideas into a seamless, beautiful reality. From plant selection to installation and maintenance, our team will work with you to create a landscape that enhances your property and your life.
Call us at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Let’s turn your poolside into a place you’ll never want to leave.