Landscaping Around Your Pool
February 3, 2014 | By webadmin
It may still be a few months before you can even think about taking a dip in your pool, but now is the time to get started on planning new landscaping or plantings around your pool. We’re already dreaming of sitting by the pool with a cocktail surrounded by a beautiful landscape. What better way to relax!
Plants for the pool
First, you need to make sure the plants you choose can tolerate reflected heat from the concrete or stone around your pool. Next, you’ll want to avoid plants that drop lots of leaves and blooms directly into the pool. While you’ll never keep your pool 100% clear, why not make it as low maintenance as possible?
Low-litter shrubs and perennials are perfect pool-side.
‘Profusion’ zinnas are a tough summer-blooming annual that requires little deadheading to stay in flower. Daylilies, lantana, coneflower and sedums are excellent perennial pool-side plants. Ferns and hostas are perfect if you have a shadier location.
Easy growing bulbs such as cannas are super hardy around a pool, plus they’ll withstand some splashing and don’t mind being a bit wet. Look for them in a variety of colors including some with unique, variegated foliage.
Nandinas are tough low-maintenance evergreen shrubs that have a soft look but are clean and easy to maintain. Dwarf varieties are great pool-side plants. Hibiscus give you that tropical look, but without much mess. Groundcovers like liriope and mondo grass are tough as nails and can take the reflected heat from the
But remember, all plants will shed a little; it’s best not to place flowering plants right near the edge of the pool if you're worried about too much extra pool litter.
Go easy on the thorns!
While we all love plants that take the heat and don’t use much water, the pool area generally isn’t the best place for spiny or thorny plants like agave and yucca; especially if you have kids. If you have kids, be sure to choose soft-textured plants that are low-maintenance and easy on the skin. Fountain grasses or papyrus are good options. If you don't have kids, low-growing roses such as the 'Drift' series can good options for planting near your pool. Just mind those thorns!
Contain yourself!
Pool areas are perfect for container plantings. Palms, citrus, esperanza and mandevilla are excellent pool-side specimens in containers. Set larger containers on caddies with wheels and you can pull that lemon tree into the garage during freezes.
Landscaping around your pool should reflect your style! Start a board on Pinterest or an Idea Book on Houzz and let’s get started on your pool-side style for summer!
