When you’re considering a new swimming pool, it’s an incredible opportunity to upgrade the overall look of your backyard. One way to have an impact is with attractive plant choices in your pool area. The right foliage and flowers can transform a pool area into a secluded backyard oasis. You definitely want to make an effort to help your pool blend into its surroundings, and success in this area will come down to plant selection.
You’ll want plants that will thrive and maybe even offer you some shade on those hot summer days of the year, while also being low maintenance. Also keep in mind that poolside gardens can also generate mess via falling leaves, clogged filters, and can be difficult to change once planted. Swimming pools can also create a microclimate in the backyard, raising humidity levels and you also may find that nearby plants are in danger of the occasional chlorine splash. With this in mind you want to plant hardy greenery that can survive high salt exposure and will work in the varied climate that pool surrounds may provide.
Some options to consider are:
Palms
There’s nothing that says oasis like a row of palm trees. As they don’t drop a lot of small leaves, they definitely tick the box of low maintenance. The wide palm fronds also create a good amount of shade that can offer some relief in the height of summer. Select palms that will grow to a height that suits your pool area, Golden Cane and Kentia palms are good options to consider.
Succulents
Succulents such as agave, yucca and echeveria make excellent poolside plants. They look good year-round with hardly any care, produce practically no mess, thrive in sunny conditions and are generally pretty tough when it comes to getting splashed by a bit of chlorinated water. Perfect for an amateur gardener looking for a set and forget option that can make it through the Perth summer.
Hibiscus
With their large flowers that come in a variety of colours, Hibiscus are a durable must-have for any tropical pool area. Pick an evergreen so you don’t have regular cleaning requirements from leaves dropping into your pool water. Hibiscus are summer bloomers so they will be looking their best during swimming season.
If you’re looking for more ideas on planting around your pool, have a chat to your local Aqua Technics sales consultant. They have experience with a variety of installations and can point you in the right direction towards a landscaper to provide specific advice for your home.
