Poolside Plants That Look Like Paradise (2024)

Gardening

• 01 of 18

  Banana Tree (Musa)

  

  See Also

  10 beautiful pool landscaping ideas that radiate resort vibes | Home Beautiful14 Best Pool Landscaping IdeasPool landscaping ideas: 10 ways to surround your pool with paving, planting, and more21 Invigorating Backyard Pool Ideas & Pool Landscapes Designs | Sebring Design Build

  If you desire a tropical look for your pool area and live in a mild, frost-free climate, banana trees instantly create the mood you may be looking for. Bananas are fast-growing herbaceous perennials or trees with tropical-looking long, broad leaves. Plant them in a spot safe from winds because those great-looking leaves can get ripped up easily if not near a wall, fence, or protected by neighboring plants.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10 (though some varieties thrive from zones 5 to 10)
  • Flower Color: White
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
  • Mature Size: 2–30 ft. tall, 1–15 ft. wide (varies widely by species)
    

• 02 of 18

  Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

  

  If you can grow Hawaii's state flower in your zone, then go for it—you have many species to choose from, with dreamy names like 'White Wings,' 'Crown of Bohemia,' 'Kona Princess,' and 'Flamenco Flame.'

  Hibiscus is a thirsty plant, so be sure to provide plenty of water. In colder climates, consider growing hibiscus in a container and overwintering the plant inside near a window. If you want to use Hawaiian hibiscus in a floral arrangement, pick one during the day while it is in full bloom, then put it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and open in a vase long enough to enjoy for the evening.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
  • Flower Color: White, red, pink, orange, yellow, peach, purple
  • Light: Full sun, part sun, full shade, part shade
  • Soil Needs: Loamy
  • Mature Size: 4–10 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
    

• 03 of 18

  Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

  

  If you are thinking of going the tropical oasis route, a bird of paradise will get you there quickly. It looks similar to a banana plant, has an upright growth habit, and 2-foot-long leaves.

  Like the banana, Strelitzia reginaeneeds shelter from strong winds or its leaves can rip. Bird of Paradise is easy to grow inside, so if you're in a cooler climate, overwinter the plant and move it outside in summer.Bird of Paradise is an excellent choicefor poolscape—it does not shed and is strong enough to tolerate splashing (in moderation, of course).

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 11
  • Flower Color: White, orange, blue
  • Light: Partial sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained potting mix
  • Mature Size: 3.5-6 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide
    

• 04 of 18

  Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus')

  

  Ornamental grasses are excellent choices for poolside landscaping. They are easy to care for, not too messy, grow quickly, blend nicely with other plants, and create a striking form—day or night. This particular ornamental grass is Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus,' commonly called zebra grass or sometimes called porcupine grass. Its horizontal stripes give it an exotic look that goes well with tropical landscaping.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 11
  • Flower Color: White, orange, blue
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
  • Mature Size: 7 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide
    

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• 05 of 18

  Egyptian Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

  

  In the right conditions, Cyperus papyrus (Egyptian papyrus, papyrus sedge, or papyrus grass) can create a mood—lush and tropical. Papyrus likes water and can live in bogs and shallow ponds. It also does fairly well in clay soil that has been amended—the clay helps it retain dampness, which it loves. Pair it with tall and skinny Equisetum 'Horsetail,' which also likes water.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 and above
  • Flower Color: Greenish-brown
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Rich, wet soil
  • Mature Size: 5-8 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide
    

• 06 of 18

  Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia)

  

  Brugmansia, commonly known as angel's trumpet, also has a heavenly scent, making it a stunning pool-area shrub or tree. These plants can be brought indoors over the winter and allowed togo dormant. If they are stored in a cool, dark, or frost-free place, they can survive all winter and regrow the following spring.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
  • Flower Color: White, peach, pink, orange, or yellow
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Soil Needs: Acid soil
  • Mature Size: 6–35 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide
    

  Warning

  All parts of the angel's trumpet plant are toxic and poisoning can occur from ingestion and even touching the plant. Gloves should be worn for everyday care of the angel's trumpet. Avoid this plant if you have children or animals and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect exposure or poisoning.

• 07 of 18

  Echeveria (Crassulaceae)

  

  Echeverias are succulent perennials from Mexico that feel to the touch like a cross between felt and velvet. These plants are wonderful for rock gardens and are drought tolerant. They would also be a nice addition to planters near your pool or spa, mixed in with other succulents and some ornamental grasses for an attractive, low-maintenance display. In the right zones (mostly southwestern) they can be grown as shrubs, reaching a height of up to 2 feet (60 cm) with 4-inch-long leaves.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
  • Flower Color: Greens, pinks, reds, and yellows
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Soil Needs: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH of around 6.0
  • Mature Size: 2-24 in. tall, 2-12 in. wide
    

• 08 of 18

  Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos flavida)

  

  Its common name—kangaroo paw—gives a big hint as to where this popular perennial hails from: Australia. This plant and its hybrids are slim and graceful looking, but their flowers are the real appeal to kangaroo paws. Striking and curved like kangaroo paws, the perennials come in many varieties and lovely colors, including 'Bush Gold,' 'Bush Emerald,' and 'Bush Lantern' (bright yellow).

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
  • Flower Color: Red, yellow, or orange; white and pink
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Sandy soil
  • Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
    

  Continue to 9 of 18 below

• 09 of 18

  Martha Washington Geranium (Regal pelargonium)

  

  For vibrant, beautiful color that lasts from spring to fall, nothing beats the hybrids called Martha Washington or Lady Washington geraniums. Martha Washington geraniums are usually only available for about six weeks or so in late spring. Marthas sometimes look like exotic tropical flowers and orchids. Like many flower hybrids, Lady Washington pelargoniums have great cultivar names such as 'Raspberry Swirl,' 'Imperial,' and 'Excaliber.'

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10
  • Flower Color: Pink, magenta, fuschia, red, white, violet and lavender
  • Light: Indirect sun
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
  • Mature Size: 5-36 in. tall, depending on variety
    

• 10 of 18

  Proteas (Banksia)

  

  These orange tropical beauties are proteas (Banksia.) Banksias hail originally from Australia. Proteas are usually stiff and prickly to the touch but also hardy and long-lasting. Add other tropicals—like hibiscus, cannas, and low-growing palms—with proteas for a tropical paradise. Proteas can grow in areas that are rocky and nutrient-poor, and they should not be fertilized.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8
  • Flower Color: White, purple, red, orange, yellow, and green
  • Light: Full to partial sun
  • Soil Needs:Acidic, nutrient-poor soil
  • Mature Size: 6-26 ft. tall depending on variety
    

• 11 of 18

  Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine (I. batatas )

  

  Sweet potato vines come in many beautiful colors and variegations, but this bright chartreuse 'Marguerite' (also called 'Margarita' or 'Margarite') is one of the most striking and hardy. Hailing from tropical and subtropical locales, I. batatas are fast-growing, easy-to-care-for trailing vines that are suited for hanging containers, planters, walls, trellises, and as a ground cover.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 11
  • Flower Color: Chartreuse, gold, bronze, brown, red, purple, and nearly black
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained enriched soil
  • Mature Size: 8–10 ft. long, 5–12 in. wide
    

• 12 of 18

  Agave Attenuata (Agave attenuata)

  

  Not to be confused with blue agave or Agave tequilana, an important cash crop for the Mexican state of Jalisco for making tequila, Agave attenuata is also a native of Mexico and grows well in the southwestern United States. It requires little water and performs well near the ocean or a swimming pool. Attenuata is also easy to propagate from cuttings or pups—a few large plants can multiply and become quite prolific in just a few years.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
  • Flower Color: White, yellow, and green
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Any well-draining soil is acceptable, but their preference is rocky or sandy soil
  • Mature Size: 1–20 ft. tall, 1–10 ft. wide (depends on variety)
    

  Continue to 13 of 18 below

• 13 of 18

  Hebe (Hebe)

  

  This New Zealand native is sometimes sold under the name Veronica. The shrubbier hebes are exotic, striking plants that enhance poolside border landscaping. They prefer mild-winter zones and need regular water with good drainage. For some varieties, the flowering season extends from early summer until the first frost. Deadhead flowers regularly for constant bloom. Hebes require shade in warmer climates.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11
  • Flower Color: Blue,purple,white,pink foliage
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs:Loose, well-drainingsoil
  • Mature Size: 1-6 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
    

• 14 of 18

  Aeonium (Aeonium)

  

  Succulents have been traditionally overlooked in American gardens, but in the western United States, they have been enjoying a surge in popularity. These green beauties are Aeonium. Succulents come in all sizes and shapes and are the rising stars of drought-tolerant landscaping because they store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots. Technically, the more-familiar cactus are succulents, although they require a desert habitat and have prickly spines. Not so with succulents, which do not all have spines.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
  • Flower Color: Solid colors or variegated in white, yellow, red, and green
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs:Sandy loam or regular potting mix
  • Mature Size: 3–36 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
    

• 15 of 18

  Jade (Crassula ovata)

  

  In some regions, jade is a popular houseplant; in others, it can grow almost like a weed and is extremely unfussy. Like all succulents, its foliage is packed with water; when it shrivels, you know it is asking for a drink. Jade is attractive, sturdy, and a hands-down trouble-free plant for your pool area landscaping.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10
  • Flower Color: Varies by species
    
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs:Sandy or even rocky soil is fine if well-drained
  • Mature Size: Varies by species
    

• 16 of 18

  Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)

  

  In the tropical regions from which they come, staghorn ferns can be found growing on trees. If you do not live in the tropics but can grow it in your zone, Staghorns do great mounted on wood slabs or bark, hanging baskets, or attached to trees. If you have a garden wall or pool house that gets filtered sunlight, this might be the scene-stealing plant for your pool area.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
  • Flower Color: Green
  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
  • Soil Needs: Pot young plants in rich, well-drained compost. Mature plants should be mounted
  • Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
    

  Continue to 17 of 18 below

• 17 of 18

  Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia)

  

  This vigorous perennial is a European native that has been naturalized in eastern North America. Creeping Jenny acclimates quite well in many settings, including woodlands and partial shade gardens, or even the dry climate of southern California, (pictured). Lysimachia is a beautiful chartreuse color and grows well as a ground cover, climbing trellises, or spilling out of containers near the pool. Jenny can become a bit invasive, but since it is so pretty, color-loving gardeners are forgiving.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
  • Color Type: Yellow
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil
  • Mature Size: 2-4 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide
    

• 18 of 18

  Schefflera (Schefflera)

  

  While Scheffleras are natives to Australia, New Caledonia, southern Asia, Hawaii, and Taiwan. They have also adapted well to other regions, especially California and Florida. Near a swimming pool, the Schefflera performs well, especially in moist, well-drained soil. Schefflera also goes by the name of Queensland umbrella tree and octopus tree. Combine it with other tropicals like hibiscus,cannas, and bromeliads.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
  • Flower Color: White, pink, or red
  • Light: Bright indirect light
  • Soil Needs: Rich and moist
  • Mature Size: 4 to 6 feet. tall, 3 to 6 feet wide (indoors); up to 25 feet tall (outdoors)