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Green Choices: Plant Considerations for Your Poolside Oasis

Create a lush poolside oasis with the right plant choices for a serene escape.

By: THURSD | 17-10-2023 | 8 min read
Garden Plants Outdoor Plants

Dreaming of your own private backyard resort with a sparkling pool surrounded by lush landscaping? Choosing the right plants is key to creating a gorgeous and functional poolside oasis. But before that, you need to choose a site for the pool. When making green choices for your pool location and its surroundings, it's about much more than just looks.

The plants you select can have a big impact on maintenance, safety, privacy, and even your overall enjoyment of your backyard paradise. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know to make the best plant picks for poolside perfection after choosing the ideal location. Let's dive in!

 

Poolside outdoor plant
Picture by @Quang Nguyen Vinh

 

Key Factors for Poolside Plant Selection

When choosing plants for your pool area, opt for low-maintenance varieties whenever possible. You want to minimize extra work like pruning and debris cleanup that can quickly become a headache. Here are some key maintenance considerations:

Keeping it Tidy

Privacy Considerations

Strategically placing plants around your pool area can increase privacy and turn your backyard into a secluded oasis. Here are some tactics:

Safety Precautions

When kids and water mix, safety should always be top of mind. Smart plant placement can prevent issues:

Climate and Growing Conditions

For your poolside plants to thrive, you need to choose varieties suited to your yard's specific conditions:

 

beautiful pool with plants
Picture by @Mwabonje Ringa

 

Aesthetic Choices

Beyond functional factors, picking plants that enhance the style you envision is key:

Specific Plant Recommendations

Here are some top plant choices that are well-suited for poolside planting:

By keeping poolside plant selection in balance with considerations like easy maintenance, safety, privacy, climate suitability, and visual appeal, you can create an outdoor oasis that is both gorgeously designed and optimally functional. Careful planting choices let you relax and enjoy your backyard pool paradise to the fullest.

 

Man standing near pool
Picture by @Prime Cinematics

 

Getting Creative with Poolside Planters

Container gardening opens up fun new possibilities for poolside plants. With planters, you can create movable displays that can be rearranged seasonally or for events. Mixing up planter shapes and sizes adds visual interest, while going vertical with tall urns and columns saves space. 

Strategically placed pedestals and platforms under pots can create focal points. For soothing sounds, incorporate little tabletop fountains. Use containers to define separate "rooms'' around your pool area. 

Maximizing mobility is key - choose large pots with wheels or casters that can lock in place when needed. Get creative with plant choices too - pick a single dramatic specimen for each pot or combine thrillers, fillers, and spillers. 

Lightweight plastic, resin or fiberglass planters are ideal if you'll be moving them frequently. Save heavy concrete for permanent spots. And don't forget drainage holes so excess water can easily drain out. With the right planters and plants, you can create stunning displays that can adapt to any occasion or need around your pool.

Extending Your Pool Season with Landscaping

Unless you live in the tropics, your outdoor pool likely has a defined season. But clever landscaping strategies can help stretch your swimming days. Planting dense evergreen windbreaks using trees or vine-covered trellises blocks wind, helping the pool stay warmer in spring and fall. 

Also, position trees and shrubs to shade the pool on hot summer afternoons while still allowing sunshine during cooler months. Using pools of warmer-colored paving materials like dark reds and browns absorbs heat, keeping surrounding air warmer as well. 

Incorporate fire features like fire pits, chimineas, and fire bowls to provide radiating warmth on chillier evenings. Try thermal insulating blankets and covers to trap heat when the pool's not in use. Foam pads laid out on diving boards when not in use also reduce surface area and heat loss. 

Plant late-blooming tropical varieties to enjoy bold colors into early fall. Strategic lighting extends evening hours by illuminating the pool, landscaping, and paths. With some savvy plant placement for sun and wind control plus supplemental heating features, you can comfortably take that pool party into overtime.

Overwintering Tender Poolside Plants

If you added tropical flair to your poolside paradise, you'll need to overwinter delicate plants safely for next year. Move containers to a protected greenhouse, sunny window, or covered garage or porch. 

For in-ground plants, heavily mulch the root zone after first freezing to insulate the soil. When hard freezes hit, wrap or cover plants with fabric row covers or plant blankets. Water minimally over winter to prevent rotting. Prune back vines and climbers before bringing them indoors. 

Check for pests like scales or mealybugs that can spread quickly indoors. Consider growing lights or full spectrum bulbs to supplement natural light. Avoid overheating indoor overwintering areas, as plants prefer cool 40-50 degree environments. 

Repot rootbound container plants in fresh, well-draining soil to encourage new growth. In spring, transition tender plants back outside gradually over a week or two to prevent shock. With planning and preparation, you can ensure tropical plants survive from one pool season to the next.

In Conclusion

Creating your personal poolside paradise with gorgeous greenery is totally doable if you follow the right plant selection criteria. Keeping maintenance, privacy, safety, climate, and aesthetics in mind will ensure your pool plant picks check every box. 

A splash of creativity combined with proven landscaping strategies results in a beautiful, thriving backyard oasis you'll enjoy for years to come. With these insider tips, you're ready to pick the perfect plants to transform your pool from basic to beautiful. Time to turn your swim spot into the backyard of your dreams!

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