I know that many homeowners aspire to transform their houses into green spaces, not only to enhance their living spaces but also to contribute positively to the environment.
However, for people owning pools outside, selecting the right plants that thrive in their specific climate, soil, and environmental conditions can be a daunting task.
In this article, I will introduce the top 30 ideal plants around the pool. These selections promise to beautify your outdoor space and create an atmosphere where you can truly relax and enjoy life.
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#1. Palm Trees

The Palm Tree, belonging to the family Arecaceae, is celebrated for its slow growth and minimal care requirements. Many species produce discreet flowers.
Ideal for poolside decor, palms enhance tropical themes with their elegant fronds, creating a serene, resort-like ambiance in home landscapes.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full to partial sunlight
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 60 ft. tall
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#2. Ornamental Grasses

In the next summer, try to add Ornamental Grass to your swimming pool.
This plant is low-maintenance and grows quickly, adding texture and movement to garden spaces. They often bloom with subtle flowers, enhancing their visual appeal.
These grasses are perfect for blending with various landscaping styles and providing a natural, flowing aesthetic.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: various soil types
- Mature Size: 6 ft. tall
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#3. Bird of Paradise

Why don’t you make your poolside appealing with the Bird of Paradise flower?
This robust plant captivates with its striking orange and blue blooms, evoking tropical birds in flight. It enjoys full sun and moderate watering.
Its architectural foliage and vivid flowers make it an exceptional choice for enhancing the landscape with a splash of exotic beauty.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall
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#4. Hibiscus

Hibiscus, scientifically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, flourishes with large, vibrant flowers, commonly in shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. This plant loves sunlight and requires regular watering.
Its lush, colorful blossoms make it a stunning addition to outside landscapes, adding a tropical flair to the environment.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Loamy
- Mature Size: 4–10 ft. tall
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#5. Bougainvillea

If you are busy and do not have much time to care for your home landscape, Bougainvillea will be a perfect choice.
It, known scientifically as Bougainvillea spp., is famed for its vivid papery blooms in hues of pink, red, orange, and purple.
Its cascading growth and vibrant colors make it ideal for creating dramatic, colorful backdrops around pools.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall
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#6. Lavender

Do you want your house covered by scent and beautiful blooms? Try Lavender.
Lavender, or Lavandula, is celebrated for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It offers a serene and visually appealing environment.
This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering once established.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall
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#7. Agave

It’s great to own Agave around the swimming pool!
Agave, scientifically known as Agave spp., is a robust succulent that thrives in dry conditions, requiring minimal water. It typically blooms once in its lifetime, producing a tall, impressive flower stalk.
With its striking, architectural form, Agave is suitable for adding a modern touch to your living area.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun, partial shade
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 5-10 ft. tall
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#8. Aloe

Aloe, specifically Aloe vera, is a resilient succulent known for its medicinal gel. It demands minimal watering and thrives in full sun.
This plant occasionally blooms with yellow or orange flowers on tall spikes. Its sleek, green leaves add a refreshing touch to poolside settings, complementing modern and minimalist designs.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
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#9. Banana Plants

Have you ever tried to grow Banana plants near the pool yet?
These plants, classified as Musa spp., thrive in warm, sunny environments with regular watering. They produce dramatic, large leaves and occasionally bloom with hanging clusters of purple flowers.
Their lush, tropical appearance makes banana plants excellent for creating a dense, green backdrop around your housing, enhancing privacy and exotic aesthetics.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: well-draining, fertile soil
- Mature Size: 10-20 ft. tall
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#10. Crepe Myrtle

Crepe Myrtle, known scientifically as Lagerstroemia, is celebrated for its vivid, long-lasting summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it exhibits a high drought tolerance once established. Its graceful, flowering branches make it a picturesque addition to poolside landscapes.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Mature Size: 5-20 ft. tall
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#11. Ferns

Ferns, with diverse species like the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), thrive in moist, shaded areas and require consistent watering.
They are known for their lush, green fronds that contrast poolside settings. Ferns are perfect for creating a tranquil, garden-like atmosphere around swimming pools.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: partial to full shade
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall
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#12. Lantana

Don’t hesitate to grow Lantana near your swimming pool because of its exotic colors!
Lantana, scientifically known as Lantana camara, is a vibrant, hardy shrub that blooms with clusters of multicolored flowers ranging from yellow to pink, orange, and red.
This sun-loving plant is drought-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it an environmentally-friendly landscape.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall
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#13. Elephant Ears

Have you ever tried to make the outside scene covered by green? Consider Elephant Ears.
These plants, classified as Colocasia spp., are known for their massive, heart-shaped leaves.
While rarely flowering, their dramatic foliage offers a lush, tropical feel, making them ideal for enhancing poolside ambiance with a bold, green flourish.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: moist, well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 5-6 ft. tall
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#14. Canna Lily

If you want to make the poolside eye-catching and exotic, it’s no better than Canna Lily.
Canna Lily, or Canna spp., features large, vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink, set against broad, tropical-like leaves.
Thriving in full sun with regular watering, Cannas grow robustly, adding height and color.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun
- Soil Needs: well-drained soil
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall
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#15. Zebra Grass

Zebra Grass, known scientifically as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, is notable for its horizontal gold bands on green blades. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil.
This ornamental grass blooms with subtle, feathery flowers in late summer, boosting outdoor settings with its striking, textured appearance.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Mature Size: 4-7 ft. tall
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#16. Jasmine

Consider growing Jasmine, specifically Jasminum, for its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering.
Jasmine’s climbing habit makes it perfect for draping over fences or trellises near pools, adding a romantic and aromatic touch to your outdoor oasis.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 10-20 ft. tall
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#17. Gardenia

Think about planting Gardenia, known scientifically as Gardenia jasminoides, for its lush, white blooms and rich fragrance. Thriving in partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil, this plant needs consistent moisture.
Gardenias enhance poolside ambiances with their elegant appearance and soothing scent, creating a tranquil garden retreat.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Mature Size: 3-6 ft. tall
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#18. Sago Palm

You can also add Sago Palm, or Cycas revoluta, to your poolside decor for its distinct, rugged texture and symmetrical shape. This slow-growing plant prefers well-drained soil and minimal water, making it low-maintenance.
While not a true palm, its prehistoric, fern-like appearance offers a striking, sculptural element to any landscape.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Light: full sun, partial shade
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
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#19. Hostas

Interested in a shade-loving plant? Hostas, or Hosta spp., are perfect with their lush foliage and subtle, sometimes fragrant flowers in shades of white or lavender.
They thrive in moist, well-drained soil, making them ideal for poolside areas with low sunlight. Hostas add a cool, verdant touch to tranquil garden nooks.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
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#20. Yucca

If you are looking for a striking plant, consider Yucca, specifically Yucca filamentosa. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun with minimal watering, sporting tall spikes of creamy white flowers.
Its sword-like leaves add architectural interest, making Yucca an excellent choice for modern poolside landscapes where its dramatic silhouette can truly stand out.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
- Soil Needs: a wide range of soil types
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
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#21. Ivy

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your pool area, Ivy, particularly Hedera helix, is an excellent choice. This versatile climber thrives in both sun and shade, requiring minimal care once established.
Its lush, green foliage can beautifully cover walls or trellises, creating a vibrant, natural backdrop for any pool setting.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: full shade, well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall
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#22. Magnolia Trees

For poolside landscapes, Magnolia Trees, particularly Magnolia grandiflora, are renowned for their large, fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and enjoy moist, well-drained soil. Magnolias provide elegant shade, making them perfect for creating a serene poolside retreat.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall
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#23. Oleander

Choose Oleander, or Nerium oleander, known for its dazzling array of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white if you are looking for a vibrant addition to your pool area.
Thriving in full sun with minimal water, Oleander is perfect for creating a colorful, hardy barrier that enhances privacy and adds beauty.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Soil Needs: a wide range of soil types
- Mature Size: 6-12 ft. tall
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#24. Salvia

Are you interested in attracting pollinators to your poolside oasis? Consider Salvia, specifically Salvia spp., with its vibrant spikes of flowers in hues of blue, purple, red, and white.
Thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, Salvia is low-maintenance and adds a pop of color and fragrance to poolside gardens.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
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#25. Boxwood

Boxwood, or Buxus spp., is a perfect addition of structure and elegance to your poolside landscape. It offers evergreen foliage and a dense growth habit, perfect for hedges or topiary.
While inconspicuous flowers may appear, Boxwood’s primary appeal lies in its rich green leaves, providing year-round beauty and architectural interest to pool areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Light: partial, full sun
- Soil Needs: well-draining soil
- Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall
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#26. Sedum

Have you ever thought of adding a touch of drought-tolerant beauty to your poolside garden? Sedum, known scientifically as Sedum spp., is an excellent choice.
This succulent thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, requiring minimal water once established. Sedum’s colorful foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers add charm and texture to poolside landscapes.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Mature Size: 2-6 ft. tall
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#27. Sunflowers

Sunflowers, or Helianthus annuus, with their large, sunny blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red will make your pool paradise.
These easy-to-grow plants thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, attracting pollinators and adding a vibrant splash of color to pool areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall
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#28. Marigolds

Are you looking to add a burst of color and fragrance to your poolside oasis? Choose Marigolds, scientifically known as Tagetes spp.
These vibrant flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil. Marigolds are easy to grow and attract beneficial insects, enhancing poolside biodiversity.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall
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#29. Cypress Trees

If you are passionate about adding privacy and beauty to your pool area, consider Cypress Trees (Cupressus spp).
These evergreen conifers thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and require minimal maintenance once established. Their tall, slender form and dense foliage make them perfect for creating a natural screen around pools.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
- Mature Size: 20-70 ft. tall
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#30. Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine, scientifically known as Trachelospermum jasminoides is a perfect choice if you are engaged in elegance style and fragrance.
This evergreen vine thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, boasting clusters of white, star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet scent. Star Jasmine adds charm and beauty to poolside trellises or fences.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Mature Size: 3-20 ft. tall

Based on the above suggestion, make your pool more colorful and attractive. Besides, Garden and Crafty provides other tips to beautify your pool. Let’s visit and enjoy them.
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With a love for all things creative and hands-on, Adarshini has dedicated her life to exploring various do-it-yourself projects. Through her books and online platforms, she inspires and empowers individuals to unleash their creativity and transform everyday objects into unique works of art. Adarshini ‘s step-by-step instructions and innovative ideas have garnered a large following, making her a respected authority in the world of DIY.