Best Plants to Surround Above Ground Pools

Are you considering installing an above ground pool for your backyard? While it's exciting to think about the fun times ahead, have you considered the landscaping around your pool? Plants can not only enhance the aesthetics of your pool area but also provide practical benefits like privacy and safety. Let's explore some of the best plants to plant around your above ground pool.

Before we dive into the types of plants, it's crucial to consider a few factors. Firstly, ensure the plants you choose are safe for children and pets, as they may come into contact with them. Secondly, consider the size and growth rate of the plants to avoid them overcrowding your pool area. Lastly, think about the maintenance required for each plant to ensure they fit into your gardening schedule.

Low-Maintenance Plants for Around Your Pool

If you're looking for plants that require minimal care, here are some options that are perfect for poolside landscaping.

One such plant is the Lavender. This fragrant herb is drought-tolerant and requires little water once established. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a touch of nature to your pool area. Lavender comes in various colors, providing a vibrant contrast to the blue of your pool.

Lavender Varieties

There are several varieties of lavender to choose from, each with its unique color and growth habit. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a classic choice, known for its compact size and fragrant flowers. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), on the other hand, has a more upright growth habit and unique, rabbit-ear-like flowers.

Another low-maintenance plant is the Russian Sage. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established. It produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Russian sage has a unique, silvery foliage that provides a striking contrast to the greenery in your pool area.

Russian Sage Care

Russian sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It's also quite hardy, tolerating a wide range of temperatures. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the plants in early summer. This will also help to promote more flowers.

Privacy Plants for Around Your Pool

If you're looking to create a more private pool area, consider planting tall, dense plants around the perimeter.

One excellent choice is the Arborvitae. This evergreen tree provides year-round privacy and is available in various sizes and growth habits. The Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'), for instance, is a narrow, upright tree that's perfect for creating a screen. The American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), on the other hand, is a broader, more rounded tree that provides excellent privacy.

Arborvitae Care

Arborvitae trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They're quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. To keep your arborvitae healthy, water them deeply once a week during the growing season. Also, ensure they have enough space to grow, as they can become quite large.

Another plant that provides excellent privacy is the Bamboo. While it's often associated with large, invasive plants, there are many non-invasive varieties that are perfect for poolside landscaping. The Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is a clumping bamboo that stays relatively small and provides dense screening. The Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata) is another clumping bamboo with attractive yellow canes that add a touch of color to your pool area.

Bamboo Care

Bamboo prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It's quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. To control the spread of running bamboo, install a barrier made of metal, plastic, or heavy-duty landscape fabric.

Safety Plants for Around Your Pool

While plants can enhance the look of your pool area, they can also pose a safety hazard if not chosen carefully. Here are some plants to avoid around your pool.

Firstly, avoid plants with thorns. These can pose a safety hazard, especially if children or pets are around. Plants like roses, blackthorn, and firethorn should be avoided.

Thornless Alternatives

If you're looking for a thornless alternative to roses, consider the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). This plant produces beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors and is quite hardy. Another option is the Hydrangea, which produces attractive clusters of flowers and has no thorns.

Secondly, avoid plants that produce toxic berries. These can be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Plants like holly, yew, and daffodils should be avoided around your pool.

Non-Toxic Alternatives

If you're looking for a non-toxic alternative to holly, consider the American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis). This evergreen tree provides excellent privacy and has no toxic berries. Another option is the Boxwood (Buxus), which is often used for hedges and topiary. While it does produce small berries, they are not toxic.

In conclusion, the right plants can transform your pool area into a beautiful, safe, and inviting space. Whether you're looking for low-maintenance plants, privacy screens, or safety-conscious options, there's a plant out there that's perfect for your needs. So, go ahead, get planting, and enjoy your poolside oasis!