Best Plants to Surround Above Ground Pools

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your backyard, an above-ground pool can be a fantastic addition. However, to truly transform your space into a lush oasis, careful consideration should be given to the plants you choose to surround your pool. Not only can they add a touch of natural beauty, but they can also provide privacy, control noise, and even help manage temperature. Let's delve into the world of poolside flora and explore the best plants to put around your above-ground pool.

Firstly, it's crucial to choose plants that are low-maintenance and can thrive in the unique environment around your pool. The area can be humid, with varying sunlight exposure, and may require plants that are tolerant of occasional splashes of water. Additionally, safety should be a priority, so opt for plants that are non-toxic and have no thorns or sharp edges.

Evergreens for Year-Round Privacy

Evergreen plants are an excellent choice for providing year-round privacy and screening. They maintain their foliage throughout the year, offering a consistent barrier around your pool.

Evergreens also help to control noise by absorbing sound waves, making them an ideal choice for homes located near busy roads or in urban areas.

Hollies (Ilex spp.)

Hollies are broadleaf evergreens that come in a variety of sizes, from small shrubs to large trees. They produce vibrant red berries in the fall, adding a pop of color to your poolside landscape. Some popular varieties include 'Yaupon' and 'American' holly.

For a smaller, more manageable option, consider 'Blue Princess' holly, which grows to about 6 feet tall and has striking blue-green foliage.

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.)

Arborvitae is a versatile evergreen that can be grown as a hedge, screen, or even a single specimen plant. It grows quickly and maintains a neat, uniform shape with minimal pruning. The 'Emerald Green' and 'Green Giant' varieties are popular choices for their dense foliage and tall growth habit.

For a more compact option, consider 'Techny Arborvite' or 'American Arborvitae', which grow to about 10-12 feet tall and provide excellent privacy screening.

Ornamental Grasses for Texture and Movement

Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and a touch of the exotic to your poolside landscape. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can help to soften the hard edges of your pool and decking.

Many ornamental grasses are also excellent at controlling erosion, making them a great choice for slopes or uneven terrain around your pool.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum spp.)

Fountain grass is a beautiful, cascading plant that produces fluffy, white plumes that sway gently in the breeze. It's drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and adds a touch of whimsy to your poolside landscape. The 'Hameln' and 'Moudry' varieties are popular choices for their striking plumes and compact growth habit.

For a more dramatic effect, consider 'Princess Caroline' fountain grass, which can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces large, showy plumes.

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Maiden grass is a tall, upright plant that produces feathery plumes that turn a beautiful golden color in the fall. It's drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and provides excellent screening and erosion control. The 'Morning Light' and 'Zebrinus' varieties are popular choices for their striking foliage and plumes.

Maiden grass is also a great choice for attracting birds, which will appreciate the shelter and nesting opportunities it provides.

Flowering Plants for Color and Fragrance

Flowering plants can add a burst of color and fragrance to your poolside landscape, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Choose plants that are drought-tolerant and can thrive in the unique environment around your pool.

Many flowering plants also attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which can help to support a healthy ecosystem in your backyard.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed susans are cheerful, yellow daisies with dark centers that bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. They are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and attract a variety of pollinators to your garden. The 'Indian Summer' and 'Goldsturm' varieties are popular choices for their extended bloom time and compact growth habit.

For a more unique look, consider 'Irresistible' black-eyed susan, which has bi-colored petals and a striking, dark center.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies are tough, low-maintenance plants that produce showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They are drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. The 'Stella de Oro' and 'Happy Returns' varieties are popular choices for their continuous bloom time and compact growth habit.

Daylilies are also excellent at naturalizing, spreading to form large clumps that can help to suppress weeds and control erosion.

Incorporating the right plants around your above-ground pool can transform your backyard into a lush, inviting oasis. By choosing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the unique environment around your pool, you can create a beautiful, functional space that you'll enjoy for years to come. So, get out there, get your hands dirty, and let your green thumb create a poolside paradise that's uniquely you.