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

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.