10 Best Plants for Around a Pool to Create a Private Backyard Oasis

Plants are essential for any outdoor space — pools included. Without them, a pool area can feel bare, boring, and unwelcoming. Surround your pool with architectural foliage, vibrant flowers, or tall trees, and the space instantly transforms from drab to fab. Beyond aesthetics, plants offer practical perks like natural privacy screens and shade while you swim.

10 Top Plant Choices for Your Poolside Garden

Here are our favorite picks for a stunning pool landscape.

1. Fountain Grass

Best for: Low-maintenance screening
Type: Ornamental grass
Mature height: 1-4ft
Mature spread: Up to 3ft
Hardiness: USDA 3-10

Fountain grasses, also called pennisetum, are gorgeous ornamental plants that suit modern pool areas. Varieties range from the show-stopping pink-and-purple Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks' (available at Nature Hills) to the compact Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (also from Nature Hills), which does well in large containers. Most are drought-tolerant plants.

Landscaping expert Gene Caballero also recommends maiden grass and blue fescue — 'popular choices that add elegance and movement to a pool area. These grasses are low maintenance and can withstand varying weather conditions. Regular watering and occasional trimming in late winter or early spring will help maintain their appearance.' What's more, ornamental grasses like these can be planted to create a natural screen that boosts pool privacy.

2. Indian Hawthorn

Best for: Spring-flowering shrub
Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature height: 3-6ft
Mature spread: 3-6ft
Hardiness: USDA 8-10

Rhaphiolepis indica — an evergreen shrub — is another pick from Gene for year-round beauty and privacy. In spring, it produces clusters of fragrant flowers. Native to Asia but non-invasive, it thrives in full sun. Gene suggests boxwood and Japanese yew as alternative pool landscaping options. Like Indian hawthorn, they keep their lush foliage all year and create a natural screen around the pool. For all three, regular watering and occasional pruning keep them in shape.

3. Bird of Paradise

bird of paradise plant near pool — *Perfect for an exotic look*

Best for: Eye-catching flowers
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature height: Up to 30ft
Mature spread: Up to 4ft
Hardiness: USDA 10-12

Hailing from South Africa, bird of paradise is often grown as a statement indoor plant, but it also makes a beautiful poolside choice in warm climates. Its bright blooms, resembling birds in flight, are sure to turn heads, and its large, lush leaves are equally attractive. 'Plant them in well-draining soil for optimal growth,' says pool expert Nathan Sapio of Discount Salt Pool. 'Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Fertilize periodically throughout the growing season to encourage abundant blooms.' Place them in full sun, either in the ground or in containers.

4. Queen Palm

queen palm tree — *Screen the midday sun from your pool with this palm*

Best for: Creating shade
Type: Evergreen palm tree
Mature height: 20-50ft
Mature spread: Up to 25ft
Hardiness: USDA 9-11

Palms are a classic choice for tropical flair, and the queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) is a favorite with its slender trunk, large arching leaves, and fast growth. In spring to summer, it produces cream-colored blossoms followed by orange fruits. Native to South America, it likes a sunny spot with sandy, slightly acidic soil. 'Water regularly and trim dead fronds occasionally to keep them healthy and attractive,' advises Gene. You can buy queen palms from Fast Growing Trees. Top tip: Some areas consider the queen palm invasive, so check before planting.

5. Banana Plant 'Basjoo'

banana plant leaves — *This plant will give your pool area a jungle-like vibe*

Best for: Large leaves
Type: Evergreen perennial (in warmer climates)
Mature height: 10-15ft
Mature spread: 10-15ft
Hardiness: USDA 5-11

'One of the best plants for turning your pool area into a backyard oasis is the Musa 'Basjoo' — commonly known as the banana plant,' says landscaping expert Janna Bradley of Landscape Management Network. These large, clumping perennials offer privacy and a tropical vibe. 'They thrive in full to partial sunlight and need moist, well-drained soil.' While other banana varieties exist, 'Basjoo' is cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -10˚F if mulched. However, it doesn't produce edible fruit — for that, try Musa acuminata, which can be grown in pots.

6. Fox Tail Agave

Best for: Stunning succulents
Type: Evergreen perennial
Mature height: 4-5ft
Mature spread: 6-8ft
Hardiness: USDA 10-11

'Agave plants are stylish and architectural, and they resist chlorine and salt — common around pools,' says gardening expert Tony O'Neill. 'These drought-tolerant plants need minimal care — just well-drained soil and plenty of sun.' Colm Walsh, owner of Swimming Pool Kits Direct, especially recommends Agave attenuata, native to Mexico (available from Fast Growing Trees). Known as fox tail agave for its long, arching flower stalk, it reaches 5ft tall and helps create privacy. It's also disease- and deer-resistant.

7. Star Jasmine

star jasmine flowers — *Enjoy beautiful fragrance as you relax poolside*

Best for: Flowering climber
Type: Evergreen perennial
Mature height: 15-20ft
Mature spread: 6-8ft
Hardiness: USDA 8-11

Available from Fast Growing Trees, star jasmine is a beautiful climbing plant for walls, fences, or pergolas beside your pool. It's prized for its springtime white blossoms and mesmerizing fragrance, and its glossy evergreen leaves look good year-round. 'I like that this plant requires little maintenance — no constant cutting or fertilizing,' says Colm. 'Once a year will do.' Plant it in well-draining, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade.

8. Frangipani

frangipani flowers — *A classic choice for gorgeous, scented blooms*

Best for: Scented flowers
Type: Evergreen/deciduous shrub (depending on variety)
Mature height: 5-10ft
Mature spread: 3-5ft
Hardiness: USDA 10-11

'Frangipani thrives in direct sunlight, and its lovely flowers will charm your pool area,' says Colm. The blooms have a fragrance similar to star jasmine, and its large leaves are easy to clean up if they fall into the water. Also known as plumeria, available from Fast Growing Trees, this Hawaiian plant needs plenty of warmth. It can be grown in pots and brought indoors in cooler regions. Once established, it's drought- and salt-tolerant.

9. Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum in pot — *Go for succulents for their easy-care nature*

Best for: Mat-forming succulents
Type: Evergreen perennial
Mature height: 4-6in
Mature spread: 6in-2ft
Hardiness: USDA 3-8

Hens and chicks, also called houseleeks or sempervivum, are tough rosette-forming succulents available in various colors. They work equally well in pots, rockeries, dry gardens, or graveled areas next to a pool. They need almost no maintenance. 'Water sparingly and ensure well-draining soil,' says Tony. Overwatering leads to root rot.

10. Canna Lily

pink canna lily flowers — *Add a splash of color to your pool space*

Best for: Fiery color schemes
Type: Tender perennial
Mature height: 2-8ft
Mature spread: 1-6ft
Hardiness: USDA 7-10

This perennial brings any pool area to life with exotic blooms in red, yellow, pink, and orange, plus large paddle-shaped leaves — some variegated, like 'Bengal Tiger'. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Cannas prefer moist, well-drained soil and lots of sun. In cooler climates, lift and store the rhizomes over winter.

What Are the Best Plants for a Pool Area in Full Sun?

For tropical flair, try hibiscus, cannas, or bird of paradise. For Mediterranean charm, plant lavender, rosemary, and other fragrant, drought-tolerant herbs. There are also plenty of beautiful flowers for pots in full sun if you're creating a container display.

What Are the Best Container Plants for a Pool Area?

Most plants can grow in containers with proper drainage, the right pot size, and good watering habits. Look for compact varieties to make maintenance easier. Try succulents in pots — their tough nature tolerates occasional neglect. Coleus, with its vibrant foliage, is another pretty pick. For stunning summer flowers, consider agapanthus, which blooms best when slightly root-bound.

When choosing plants, pick those that thrive in your specific conditions — soil type, sun exposure, and shelter. They should also match the look you want and be low maintenance. Also consider how much plants shed leaves and flowers. A pool net helps, but to minimize cleanup, avoid small-leaved, deciduous shrubs or messy plants.