Garden Design and Landscaping

50 Beautiful Plants to Make Your Poolside Feel Like a Resort!

May 16, 2024 by

1. Bougainvillea

  • Benefits: Vibrant colors, excellent for privacy screens, low maintenance.
  • Description: A tropical vining plant known for its colorful papery bracts.
  • Ease of Growing: Easy to grow in warm climates.
  • Zones and Position: Suitable for zones 9-11, best positioned in full sun.
  • Tips: Prune regularly to control size and promote flowering.

2. Palms (Various Types)

  • Benefits: Tropical aesthetic, minimal shedding, excellent for creating shade.
  • Description: Varieties include Date Palm, Queen Palm, and Sago Palm.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-drained soil and regular watering.
  • Zones and Position: Dependent on palm species; generally, suited for zones 8-11, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

3. Hibiscus

  • Benefits: Stunning blooms, attracts butterflies, adds a tropical feel.
  • Description: Large, showy flowers in various colors.
  • Ease of Growing: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and regular watering.
  • Zones and Position: Thrives in zones 9-11, positioned in full sun.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

4. Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)

  • Benefits: Striking blue or white flowers, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with tall flower stalks.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 6-11, placed in well-drained soil.
  • Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

5. Bird of Paradise

  • Benefits: Exotic blooms, evergreen foliage, attracts hummingbirds.
  • Description: Large, bird-shaped flowers atop long stalks.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires warmth and well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Ideal for zones 10-11, positioned in full sun.
  • Tips: Protect from frost; mulch around the base in cooler climates.

6. Elephant Ear (Colocasia)

  • Benefits: Dramatic foliage, adds a tropical flair.
  • Description: Large, heart-shaped leaves on tall stems.
  • Ease of Growing: Prefers moist, fertile soil and partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 8-11, planted in filtered sunlight.
  • Tips: Provide ample water during the growing season.

7. Lavender

  • Benefits: Fragrant blooms, repels mosquitoes, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Aromatic herb with slender purple spikes.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in a sunny location.
  • Tips: Prune after flowering to promote bushiness.

8. Lantana

  • Benefits: Colorful blooms, attracts butterflies, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and orange.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Ideal for zones 8-11, positioned in full sun.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

9. Succulents (Various Types)

  • Benefits: Drought tolerant, unique shapes and colors.
  • Description: Fleshy leaves and stems in various forms.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and bright light.
  • Zones and Position: Dependent on succulent species; generally suited for zones 9-11, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Avoid overwatering; allow soil to dry out between waterings.

10. Oleander

  • Benefits: Profuse blooms, drought tolerant, excellent for privacy.
  • Description: Large clusters of colorful, fragrant flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Tough and adaptable, thrives in full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 8-11, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Keep away from pets and children as all parts are toxic if ingested.

11. Ferns (Various Types)

  • Benefits: Lush foliage, thrives in shade, adds texture.
  • Description: Delicate fronds in various shapes and sizes.
  • Ease of Growing: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and shade.
  • Zones and Position: Dependent on fern species; generally suited for zones 3-10, planted in shady areas.
  • Tips: Provide consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight.

12. Canna Lily

  • Benefits: Bold foliage, vibrant blooms, attracts hummingbirds.
  • Description: Tall stalks topped with large, colorful flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires ample water and full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-11, planted in sunny or partially shaded areas.
  • Tips: Divide rhizomes every few years to rejuvenate growth.

13. Japanese Maple

  • Benefits: Stunning foliage, adds elegance, compact size.
  • Description: Small trees with intricately shaped leaves in various colors.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-draining soil and protection from harsh sunlight.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in partial shade.
  • Tips: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots.

14. Bamboo

  • Benefits: Fast-growing privacy screen, elegant appearance.
  • Description: Tall, slender stalks with lush foliage.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-draining soil and regular watering.
  • Zones and Position: Dependent on bamboo species; generally suited for zones 5-10, planted in full sun to partial shade.
  • Tips: Contain spreading roots by planting in containers or using root barriers.

15. Phormium (New Zealand Flax)

  • Benefits: Striking foliage, drought tolerant, adds architectural interest.
  • Description: Sword-like leaves in various colors and patterns.
  • Ease of Growing: Tolerates a wide range of conditions, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-11, planted in full sun to partial shade.
  • Tips: Trim dead leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.

16. Yucca

  • Benefits: Architectural interest, drought tolerant, low maintenance.
  • Description: Clumping or single-stemmed plants with stiff, sword-like leaves.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-11, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Protect from excessive moisture to prevent root rot.

17. Society Garlic

  • Benefits: Garlic-scented foliage, attractive flowers, deer resistant.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with narrow leaves and clusters of purple flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-11, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

18. Papyrus

  • Benefits: Unique appearance, adds a tropical touch, thrives in water.
  • Description: Tall, grass-like stems topped with umbrella-like clusters.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires consistently moist soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 9-11, planted in containers or along the water’s edge.
  • Tips: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.

19. Verbena

  • Benefits: Colorful blooms, attracts butterflies, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Clusters of small flowers in various hues atop delicate stems.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-10, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

20. Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)

  • Benefits: Striking flowers, attracts hummingbirds, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Cut back flower stalks after blooming to promote new growth.

21. Russian Sage

  • Benefits: Fragrant foliage, drought tolerant, attracts pollinators.
  • Description: Silvery-gray foliage with tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-9, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Prune in early spring to promote bushiness and flowering.

22. Sedum (Stonecrop)

  • Benefits: Drought tolerant, succulent foliage, attracts butterflies.
  • Description: Fleshy, rounded leaves in various shades of green, blue, and red.
  • Ease of Growing: Easy to grow in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny to partially shaded areas.
  • Tips: Divide plants every few years to prevent overcrowding.

23. Creeping Jenny

  • Benefits: Trailing habit, bright yellow foliage, thrives in wet areas.
  • Description: Low-growing perennial with cascading stems of golden leaves.
  • Ease of Growing: Vigorous and adaptable, prefers consistently moist soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in full sun to partial shade.
  • Tips: Control spread by regular trimming or planting in containers.

24. Japanese Forest Grass

  • Benefits: Graceful habit, adds texture, thrives in shade.
  • Description: Arching stems with cascading blades of golden or variegated foliage.
  • Ease of Growing: Prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in shaded areas.
  • Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

25. Daylilies

  • Benefits: Colorful blooms, low maintenance, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with strap-like foliage and trumpet-shaped flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Easy to grow in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny to partially shaded spots.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering period.

26. Mexican Feather Grass

  • Benefits: Delicate texture, drought tolerant, adds movement.
  • Description: Fine-textured grass with airy seed heads that sway in the breeze.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 6-10, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Cut back in late winter to rejuvenate growth.

27. Salvia

  1. Benefits: Long-lasting blooms, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant.
  2. Description: Spikes of tubular flowers in various colors, including blue, purple, and red.
  3. Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
  4. Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-10, planted in sunny locations.
  5. Tips: Trim back after flowering to promote bushiness.

28. Japanese Iris

  • Benefits: Elegant blooms, thrives in wet soil, deer resistant.
  • Description: Large, showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, and pink.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires consistently moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-9, planted in moist soil or near water features.
  • Tips: Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

29. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

  • Benefits: Colorful foliage, attracts hummingbirds, deer resistant.
  • Description: Mounded perennial with ruffled leaves in shades of green, purple, and bronze.
  • Ease of Growing: Tolerates a wide range of conditions, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-9, planted in partial shade.
  • Tips: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth.

30. Tall Verbena

  • Benefits: Profuse blooms, attracts butterflies, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Tall spikes of tiny flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 6-10, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Cut back after flowering to promote business.

31. Russian Olive

  • Benefits: Fragrant blooms, drought tolerant, attracts birds.
  • Description: Small tree with silvery foliage and tiny yellow flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Tolerant of various soil types, prefers full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Prune to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth.

32. Rosemary

  • Benefits: Fragrant foliage, culinary herb, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Woody perennial with needle-like leaves and blue flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-10, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Trim regularly to promote bushiness and use in cooking.

33. Dwarf Nandina

  • Benefits: Compact size, colorful foliage, low maintenance.
  • Description: Small shrub with bamboo-like leaves that change color with the seasons.
  • Ease of Growing: Adaptable to various conditions, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 6-10, planted in partial shade.
  • Tips: Prune to shape and remove old or damaged growth.

34. Society Garlic

  • Benefits: Garlic-scented foliage, attractive flowers, deer resistant.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with narrow leaves and clusters of purple flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 7-11, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

35. Sedum (Stonecrop)

  • Benefits: Drought tolerant, succulent foliage, attracts butterflies.
  • Description: Fleshy, rounded leaves in various shades of green, blue, and red.
  • Ease of Growing: Easy to grow in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny to partially shaded areas.
  • Tips: Divide plants every few years to prevent overcrowding.

36. Lavender

  • Benefits: Fragrant blooms, repels mosquitoes, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Aromatic herb with slender purple spikes.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in a sunny location.
  • Tips: Prune after flowering to promote business.

37. Yucca

  • Benefits: Architectural interest, drought tolerant, low maintenance.
  • Description: Clumping or single-stemmed plants with stiff, sword-like leaves.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-11, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Protect from excessive moisture to prevent root rot.

38. Mexican Fan Palm

  • Benefits: Tall and graceful, drought tolerant, creates a tropical ambiance.
  • Description: Slender trunk topped with large, fan-shaped leaves.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 8-11, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Provide ample space as they can grow quite large.

39. Muhly Grass

  • Benefits: Delicate texture, drought tolerant, airy pink plumes in fall.
  • Description: Clumping grass with narrow leaves and feathery flower spikes.
  • Ease of Growing: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 6-11, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Cut back in late winter to encourage fresh growth.

40. Lilyturf (Liriope)

  • Benefits: Grass-like foliage, small purple or white flowers, low maintenance.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with strappy leaves and spikes of blooms.
  • Ease of Growing: Adaptable to various conditions, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-10, planted in partial to full shade.
  • Tips: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

41. Cape Plumbago

  • Benefits: Profuse blue flowers, drought tolerant, attracts butterflies.
  • Description: Spreading shrub with clusters of small, trumpet-shaped blooms.
  • Ease of Growing: Tolerates heat and drought, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 9-11, planted in full sun to partial shade.
  • Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote flowering.

42. Coneflower (Echinacea)

  • Benefits: Long-lasting blooms, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Daisy-like flowers with prominent, spiky centers.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering period.

43. Japanese Pieris

  • Benefits: Evergreen foliage, showy blooms, deer resistant.
  • Description: Shrub with glossy leaves and cascading clusters of white or pink flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Prefers acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-8, planted in partial shade.
  • Tips: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and deter weeds.

44. Japanese Blood Grass

  • Benefits: Striking foliage, drought tolerant, adds color and texture.
  • Description: Red-tipped grass with upright growth habit.
  • Ease of Growing: Adaptable to various conditions, prefers well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in partial to full sun.
  • Tips: Cut back in late winter to promote fresh growth and maintain color.

45. Cypress

  • Benefits: Tall and slender, evergreen foliage, creates privacy.
  • Description: Coniferous tree with soft, feathery foliage.
  • Ease of Growing: Tolerant of various soil types, prefers full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-10, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Provide adequate space as they can grow quite large.

46. Azalea

  • Benefits: Showy blooms, evergreen foliage, prefers acidic soil.
  • Description: Shrub with clusters of vibrant flowers in various colors.
  • Ease of Growing: Requires well-draining, acidic soil and partial shade.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 5-9, planted in partial shade.
  • Tips: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity.

47. Hosta

  • Benefits: Lush foliage, variety of colors and textures, thrives in shade.
  • Description: Clumping perennial with broad leaves in shades of green, blue, or variegated.
  • Ease of Growing: Adaptable to various conditions, prefers moist, well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in partial to full shade.
  • Tips: Protect from slugs and snails; divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

48. Russian Sage

  • Benefits: Fragrant foliage, drought tolerant, attracts pollinators.
  • Description: Silvery-gray foliage with tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 4-9, planted in sunny locations.
  • Tips: Prune in early spring to promote bushiness and flowering.

49. Redtwig Dogwood

  • Benefits: Bright red stems in winter, attracts birds, adds color.
  • Description: Shrub with green foliage that turns red in fall; bare stems reveal red bark in winter.
  • Ease of Growing: Adaptable to various conditions, prefers moist, well-draining soil.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 2-8, planted in full sun to partial shade.
  • Tips: Prune older stems in late winter to encourage new growth with vibrant color.

50. Black-Eyed Susan

  • Benefits: Cheerful blooms, attracts butterflies, drought tolerant.
  • Description: Daisy-like flowers with dark centers and golden petals.
  • Ease of Growing: Low maintenance, thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
  • Zones and Position: Suited for zones 3-9, planted in sunny spots.
  • Tips: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

Jonathan Holmes is an experienced and enthusiastic gardener who has been cultivating his green thumb for over 20 years. His love of gardening started in Scotland, where he gained a deep understanding of different plants and flowers, as well as the importance of soil composition, watering techniques, and sunlight exposure. After moving to Australia, Jonathan adapted his gardening skills to the different climate and growing conditions of his new home, experimenting with different plants and techniques to create sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. He is known among his friends and family for his impressive gardens and often shares his knowledge and tips with others who share his passion for gardening.

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