Poolside Landscaping: Shade Trees, Ground Covers, and Non-Palm Tropicals

After removing three shade trees for pool construction, a homeowner seeks replacement shade trees, ground covers near flagstone decking, and tropical (non-palm) plants for a traditional medium-sized yard.

Ground Cover: Silver-Foliage Artemisia

• Drought-resistant, low-maintenance perennials
• Silver foliage contrasts beautifully with pool hardscape
• Sources: Perennials.com, Wayside Gardens, White Flower Farm, Walters Gardens, Monrovia, Bailey Nurseries

Shade Tree Reconsideration: Crape Myrtle

• One removed was a "giant Crape Myrtle"—consider replacing with improved cultivar
• Spectacular summer bloom (dark rose, pink, white)
• Minimal litter if spent flowers trimmed
• Vase shape provides filtered shade

Tropical Accent: Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

• Not a true palm—cycad with shrubby form
• Classy architectural element, 3–6 ft tall
• Excellent in large containers flanking entries
• Slow-growing, long-lived

Rockery for Clean Pool Edges

• Larger stones near pool (pebbles migrate into filters)
• Creates clean, defined border
• Low maintenance, heat-tolerant

Additional Resources

Expert offers scanned design illustrations via email (acottagegarden@msn.com) and lists 10+ nursery websites for plant sourcing.