Tropical Plants for Poolside Landscaping: Big Leaves, Bold Color

Tropical plants create resort-like pool atmospheres. Seek large foliage, abundant flowers, or vivid color.

Trees

• Big-leaf magnolia
• Cucumber magnolia
• Sweet-bay magnolia

Shrubs

• Swamp hibiscus (mallow)
• Scarlet hibiscus
• Confederate rose
• Tropical hibiscus (overwinter indoors)

Perennials

• Umbrella plant (papyrus)
• Canna
• Elephant ear (heavy winter mulch)
• Banana (heavy winter mulch)

Annuals

• Coleus (diverse colors/leaf shapes)
• Sweet potato vine
• Caladium
• Morning glory vine
• Cypress vine
• Purple hyacinth bean
• Moon vine