Pool Landscaping Inspiration: Plants and Design for Poolside Beauty

Create a Stunning Poolside Garden

Whether your pool is new or decades old, it's a prime spot for surrounding gardens with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Use these tips to install or revitalize your pool landscaping. Interested in adding a water garden to complement your pool? Find plants, plans, and inspiration.

Include Shade

Shade (usually trees) is near-essential. Avoid heavy shedders — they complicate pool maintenance. Place shedding trees so branches won't overhang the pool. Warm climates: palms shed little, have small root balls. Choose trees with less-aggressive roots to protect hardscaping.

Plant in Pockets

Include a small planting pocket next to the pool for color and visual relief. Try feather reedgrass (4 ft, late spring flowers). For naturalistic pools with rocks/pavers, use low, spreading groundcovers in gaps. Containers dress up poolscapes — match container scale to pool size.

Add Height

Pools are strongly horizontal — add a large raised bed nearby for vertical interest (not necessarily against pool to avoid debris). Containers with dwarf trees/shrubs or stacked diminishing containers with cascading plants add height. Try dwarf burning bush (red autumn foliage).

Include pergolas/trellises for shade, vertical interest, and privacy from neighbors. Plant climbing vines (wisteria — fragrant, multi-color blooms) at pergola bases. Outdoor rugs on furniture define living spaces and cover pool pad.

Landscape to Deter Bees

Bees are garden allies but concerning near pools. Dwarf evergreen shrubs in containers: tidy, non-spreading, colorful varieties. Ornamental grasses and foliage plants don't attract bees. Check flowering plants for bee appeal before selecting.