Best Potted Plants for Pool Area: Top Picks 2023

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Creating an inviting and stylish pool area requires careful consideration of the plants that best complement the space. Potted plants around your pool can enhance the aesthetic while providing much-needed shade and privacy. Choosing the right potted plants for your pool area is essential for practicality and visual appeal.

There are many factors to consider when selecting the best-potted plants for your pool area, such as climate, maintenance requirements, and design preferences. In addition to aesthetic considerations, plants must withstand poolside conditions, including exposure to sun, water, and chemicals. This article will guide you through a selection of potted plants that thrive in these unique environments and transform your pool area into an attractive, serene oasis.

Best Potted Plants for Pool Area

When choosing potted plants for your pool area, selecting low-maintenance, sun-loving plants that can withstand the heat and humidity typically associated with poolside environments is essential. Additionally, plants with minimal leaf shedding and non-sharp edges are highly recommended.

Rosemary is an excellent option for potted plants around pools, as it is easy to care for and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. Additionally, it adds a lovely light scent when brushed against or touched, enhancing the atmosphere around your pool. Rosemary can be used in hedges or planters, making it a versatile choice for poolside landscaping (Treehugger).

Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia) is another beautiful plant suitable for pool areas. It is known for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and heavenly scent, making it an ideal addition to a potted shrub or small tree. These plants can be brought indoors during the winter and allowed to go dormant, ensuring they can regrow the following spring (The Spruce).

Bird of paradise and banana trees are excellent options for those seeking a more tropical aesthetic around their pool. These plants can create a private backyard retreat with lush, exotic foliage and eye-catching flowers (The Spruce). However, ensuring that your climate supports these tropical plants before incorporating them into your pool area is essential.

Consider including ornamental grasses in your poolside potted plant selection for a touch of greenery with minimal maintenance. Grasses such as Fountain Grass (Pennisetum) and Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) can add texture, color, and movement to your pool area while being drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the best-potted plants for your pool area, consider several factors to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space for relaxation and entertainment.

1. Poolside Environment

The poolside environment plays a crucial role in determining the most suitable plants for the area. Assess sunlight exposure, temperature, and humidity to help you select the most appropriate plants for your pool environment.

For instance, if your pool area receives full sun, consider sun-loving plants like the climbing geraniums or the tropical banana tree for a more exotic ambiance. On the other hand, for partially shaded pool areas, plants like the Staghorn fern can thrive and provide a lush green atmosphere.

2. Maintenance Requirements

Choose potted plants that match your desired level of maintenance. Some plants, like the Zebra Grass, are easy to care for and multiply, while others may require more attention and upkeep.

Consider the following aspects of plant maintenance:

Watering frequency and amounts
Pruning and trimming needs
Fertilizing requirements

Pest and disease management

Selecting low-maintenance plants allows you to enjoy your pool area more and less time tending to your greenery.

3. Pot Selection

While the plants themselves are essential, selecting suitable pots can also enhance the beauty and functionality of your poolside space. Consider size, material, and style when choosing the perfect plant containers.

Opt for pots that provide adequate drainage, resist fading from sun exposure, and complement the overall design of your pool area. Additionally, consider the weight and stability of the pots to ensure they remain secure in their position and minimize the risk of accidents.

Top Potted Plant Choices

1. Tropical Plants

Tropical plants are an excellent choice for pool areas, as they thrive in warm and humid climates. They add a touch of paradise to your poolside, making it feel like a luxurious resort.

Some popular tropical plant options include Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) and Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia). Both of these plants boast colorful blooms and can withstand the poolside environment.

2. Drought-Tolerant Plants

Drought-tolerant plants are ideal for those living in areas with water restrictions or who want to conserve water. These plants require minimal irrigation, making them perfect for poolside placement.

Yucca and Echeveria are excellent drought-tolerant plant options. These hardy plants offer architectural interest and can thrive in challenging environments.

3. Colorful Foliage Plants

Adding plants with colorful foliage to your poolside can make a visually striking statement. Vibrant leaves bring color and provide a striking contrast to the pool’s blue water.

Consider plants like the Coleus or Croton for their brightly colored leaves, making any pool area more inviting and eye-catching.

4. Aromatic Plants

Aromatic plants can enhance your overall pool experience by adding pleasant scents to the mix. The combination of soothing water and delightful fragrance creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Lavender and Rosemary are popular aromatic plant choices for poolside pots. In addition to their lovely fragrance, these plants also offer beneficial properties, such as natural mosquito repellents.

Plant Care Tips

Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your potted plants around the pool area healthy and vibrant. To help you get started, we’ve provided some helpful tips on watering, fertilizing, and repotting.

Watering

Different plants have varying water requirements, but poolside plants generally need consistent moisture due to the warm, sunny environment in which they grow. Some excellent low-maintenance plants that can tolerate poolside conditions include Banana trees and Staghorn Ferns.

Establish a regular watering schedule for your potted plants, checking the soil moisture before watering. It’s essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Industries recommend allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to promote healthy root growth.

Fertilizing

The right nutrients are crucial for your potted plants’ growth and overall health. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season and adjust the amount depending on the specific needs of your plants—for instance, Birds of Paradise benefits from a high-potassium fertilizer that encourages vibrant blooms and sturdy growth.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency, consistently applying fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn. It’s also a good idea to perform a soil test every couple of years to ensure your plants receive the correct nutrients.

Repotting

As your potted plants grow, their roots may become constricted and limited in size, leading to stunted growth and poor health. Regularly repotting your plants can ensure they have enough space to grow and develop properly.

When repotting, choose a container one to two sizes larger than the current pot, ensuring proper drainage holes are present. Gently pull out the plant from its current pot and tease the roots if tightly bound. Place the plant in the new container and fill it with fresh, well-draining soil, watering thoroughly after repotting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Author’s Note

Choosing the right potted plants is essential for creating an inviting and practical pool area. Consider factors such as the poolside environment, maintenance requirements, and pot selection when selecting plants. Some excellent options include Rosemary, Angel’s Trumpet, Bird of Paradise, and Ornamental Grasses.

Proper care and maintenance are essential, including regular watering, fertilizing, and repotting. Following these tips and selecting the right plants can create a beautiful and serene poolside oasis.