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Making the right decision and strategically choosing the right-side plants for your pool can turn any boring concrete poolside into a lively one. To make this selection, you must search for plants that thrive properly in humid environments.
Since these plants are going to be planted around pool areas, they’re likely to get splashed by chlorine and other spa chemicals, so they have to be able to withstand these.
That said, some of the best potted plants for pool area includes Egyptian Papyrus, banana trees, Hawaiian hibiscus, bird of paradise, echeveria, zebra grass, and many others that we will be discuss in this article.
Best Potted Plants for Pool Area
1. Banana Trees
If you want your poolside to have a tropical look and the weather condition is frost-free, banana trees would be able to create the mood that you’re looking for. Banana trees are fast-growing herbaceous plants or perennial trees with long and broad leaves.
These trees have beautiful and light leaves, so ensure that you place them in a safe place away from the harsh weather because they can get ripped easily by the strong wind.
See Also: How to Build a Stone Flower Bed Border
2. Hawaiian Hibiscus
There are a lot of Hawaiian plant varieties to go for, and if you can plant Hawaii-based plants in your state, then go for it. You can choose from amazing species: white wings, Kona princess, flamenco flame, and bohemia crown.
Hawaiian hibiscus usually consumes a lot of water so ensure that it is provided with a lot of water from time to time.
For a better floral arrangement, pick one of these flowers during the day when it is still in full bloom, place it in the refrigerator and watch as it maintains its freshness for the evening.
3. Bird of Paradise
If you are planning on giving your pool a tropical-oasis route, you would be able to get there much faster with the bird of paradise. These plants look similar to the banana plant and usually grows up to a height of 2 foot long.
Just like the banana trees, these plants have very tender and soft leaves and can get ripped easily in strong winds.
Bird of paradise would be one of the perfect birds for pool-scaping. It does not shed and can withstand splashing; in moderation, of course.
4. Zebra Grass
Zebra grass is an ornamental grass, and we would like to say, generally, ornamental plants are excellent for pool sides.
This grass is easy to take care of, blends well with other plants, and grows quickly. Some amazing color varieties of this plant include white, blue, and orange.
This popular ornamental plant is the strictus “Miscanthus Sinensis” and is mostly referred to and known as the zebra grass or the porcupine grass. Due to its horizontal stripes resembling a zebra, this plant has an exotic look that goes very well with tropical landscaping.
5. Egyptian Papyrus
When in the right condition, the Egyptian papyrus can be used to create a nice mood in your poolside-lush, exotic and tropical. The Egyptian papyrus loves water and can thrive well in shallow ponds or anywhere close to water.
This plant does well close to the clay soil as it is said that clay soil helps it retain its dampness which it likes. You can pair this plant with a skinny equisetum for the perfect duo as that plant also likes water and has an exotic feel, and just like the papyrus, all this plant needs too is full sun, wet and rich soil.
6. Echeveria
Echeveria is a succulent perennial that originates from Mexico, and when touched, it feels like there is a cross between felt and velvet.
These plants are drought tolerant and suitable for rock gardens, and therefore, they would be a nice addition to plants alongside your pool or spa.
For their growth, they require soil with a well-drained and succulent mix and an ideal pH of about 6. These plants can be grown as shrubs reaching a height of about 60cm (2 feet) with four-inch-long leaves.
7. Kangaroo Paw
Its name, kangaroo paw, gives you a big hint of where this plant originates. Just like the kangaroos, this plant originates from Australia. Usually, it has a slim, gracious, and beautiful hybrid, but the most appealing part of the plant is its amazing flowers.
The flowers of these plants look like the paws of the kangaroo, hence its name. The kangaroo paw comes in many varieties like a bush lantern, bush emerald, and bush gold.
Some of its amazing color varieties include yellow, red, pink, white, and orange, and what’s more, this plant can survive in sandy soils.
8. Martha Washington Geranium
These plants must have the most vibrant and beautiful color that lasts from spring to fall, and nothing ever beats the Martha Washington geraniums. In late spring, these plants are just available for about eight weeks.
Most people get these plants confused for orchids. Like many other flower hybrids, these plants have great cultivars like the raspberry swirl, imperial, and Excalibur; the Martha Washington needs well-drained soil and indirect exposure to sunlight for it to thrive well.
Its color varieties include pink, magenta, fuchsia, red, white, lavender, and violet.
9. Hebe
Hebe is a plant native to New Zealand and is sold under the name veronica sometimes. These shrubby hebes are exotic plants that enhance the landscapes of poolside borders.
They grow better in mild winter zones and need regular watering with good drainage, and for some of its varieties, the season when it flowers extends from early summer down to the first frost.
Their color varieties include white, purple, pink, and blue and just a partial exposure to sunlight is alright. In warmer climates, ensure that these plants are put under shades for them to be able to bloom well.
Some other amazing plants that can thrive perfectly close to your poolside area include;
- Proteas
- Ornamental sweet potato vine
- Agave attenuates
- Aeonium
- Jade
- Staghorn fern
- Creeping jenny
- Schefflera
See Also: How to Harvest Herbs to Promote Growth
Frequently Asked Questions
What Plants Can Be Able to Handle Chlorine?
Some good chlorine-tolerant trees include; palm trees, wax myrtle, yaupon, devilwood, oak, and eastern red cedar, for shrubs; some pool-friendly choices include the oleander and hawthorn for your ornamental grasses.
The best grasses tolerant to chlorine include zoysia, sea oats, maiden grass, Bermuda, and pampas. We have Carolina, jasmine, liriope, deep green ivy, creeping rosemary, and climbing fig for your vines.
The ability to handle chlorine Is one of the elements you should check out before selecting a plant that can stay close to your poolside. Aside from chlorine, you should consider using other factors, including the liner pattern, lightening, pool tiling, and decking material.
Does Chlorinated Water Hurt Garden Plants?
No, it doesn’t. Water that has been treated with chlorine has no effects on our garden plants. Chlorine helps kill some of the microbes in your soil and also strengthens your soil.
How Do You Make Pool Water Safer for Plants?
To archive this, let the water sit under the sun for about twenty-four hours before you water the plants; it would aid in killing most of the harmful chemicals in the plant and not just hydrating it.
Is pool water okay for grass?
Pool water does not kill grass, but water with excess chlorine and other pool chemical may affect your lawn, especially if the water is drained into the lawn regularly. Excess splashes of chlorine on your plants also affect the soil ph., causing them to turn either brown or yellow.
How Do You Neutralize Chlorine in The Soil?
You can use humid acids to either bind or neutralize the chlorine content in your soil. If you are gardening organically, I recommend removing chlorine from your irrigation water.