20 Best Plants Around The Pool (That Won’t Drive You Crazy)

So you’ve got a pool. Nice. You’ve already won summer. But now you’re staring at that barren border around it, wondering what plants won’t make your life miserable.

You want beauty, not high-maintenance drama. You don’t want to fish leaves out of the water every 10 minutes or deal with roots cracking your concrete. Sound familiar?

Yeah, I’ve been there. I’ve tested, planted, yanked out, replanted, and finally figured out which plants are actually worth putting around a pool.

Let’s talk about the 20 best plants around the pool—the ones that look stunning, thrive in the sun, and won’t ruin your filter or your sanity.

1. Bird of Paradise

This one’s a classic for a reason.

It gives you instant tropical vibes with bold leaves and vibrant orange-blue flowers that scream “vacation.”

Why I love it:

• Handles full sun like a champ
• Doesn’t shed much
• Adds height and color without fuss

Pro tip: Keep it trimmed and spaced out. These beasts get big.

2. Agave

Ever want a plant that looks cool and basically thrives on neglect?

Say hello to agave.

It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and practically immortal. Plus, it won’t drop leaves in your pool.

Just watch out for the spines. Plant it a few feet away from the edge if kids run barefoot.

3. Lavender

Yes, lavender by the pool. Don’t look at me like that.

It smells amazing, repels mosquitoes, and adds a soft Mediterranean charm.

Why it works:

• Loves full sun
• Compact and tidy
• Flowers attract pollinators (but not pests)

And come on… who doesn’t want to smell lavender while sunbathing?

4. Mexican Feather Grass

This one moves in the breeze like a shampoo commercial.

It brings texture and elegance without bulk. It’s also super low-maintenance and doesn’t mind poor soil.

Best part: It doesn’t drop messy leaves or flowers into your pool.

Keep it trimmed once a year and enjoy the show.

5. Hibiscus

If your soul craves big, bold, colorful blooms, this is your plant.

Hibiscus practically belongs next to a pool.

You get:

• Non-stop tropical flowers in red, pink, orange, or yellow
• Attracts butterflies (and envy from neighbors)
• A moderate grower that behaves well

Water it regularly and give it sunshine. It’ll love you back.

6. Sago Palm

Palm vibes without the skyscraper height.

This compact palm is actually a cycad, but it nails that tropical elegance every pool needs.

Why I use it:

• Stays neat and symmetrical
• Tough as nails
• Doesn’t mind poor soil or heat

Heads up though—it’s toxic to pets. If Fido likes to chew plants, skip this one.

7. Boxwood

Want structure? Want control? Want zero mess?

Boxwoods are your answer.

What you’ll love:

• Easy to trim into clean, modern shapes
• Evergreen and dense
• Great for borders and privacy

They’re not flashy, but they add that clean, resort-style order around your pool.

8. Kangaroo Paw

It sounds like a cartoon, but it’s a real plant.

And it’s a total showoff—with bright red, yellow, or pink fuzzy flowers that last forever.

Perfect around pools because:

• It loves heat and sun
• The blooms stand tall and out of the splash zone
• It adds texture and color in a unique way

Keep it happy with good drainage and sunlight.

9. Elephant Ears (Colocasia)

These leaves are so big, they basically double as umbrellas.

Want bold tropical drama? Elephant Ears are your guy.

You get:

• Fast-growing, lush foliage
• Moisture-loving plants that do well near sprinklers or mist
• A statement plant that says, “Yeah, I’ve got style”

But don’t plant it too close to the pool—the roots need space.

10. Lantana

This plant basically laughs in the face of heat.

It produces tons of colorful flowers in yellows, pinks, reds, and purples. And it keeps blooming forever.

Top perks:

• Drought-tolerant
• Deer and pest resistant
• Butterflies love it

Plant it in full sun and walk away. It’ll do the rest.

11. Yucca

Yucca looks like it could cut you, but that’s part of the charm.

Its sword-like leaves bring architectural flair, and it loves dry, sunny spots.

Why it’s pool-friendly:

• Requires almost zero water
• No mess or leaf drop
• Hardy and sculptural

Don’t crowd it though—it likes breathing room.

12. Oleander

Okay, hear me out—yes, it’s toxic if ingested, but it’s also stunning, fragrant, and incredibly hardy.

It gives you long-lasting blooms and grows into a lush privacy screen fast.

Plant it only if:

• You don’t have curious kids or pets
• You want low-maintenance beauty
• You need a windbreak or privacy hedge

Fair trade? I think so.

13. Cordyline

Cordyline brings the drama with its deep burgundy or pink-red leaves.

It adds bold color contrast to the typical green palette.

Why I use it:

• It tolerates splashes and sun
• Grows in containers or beds
• Looks tropical without needing high humidity

It’s the red lipstick of pool landscaping.

14. Fountain Grass

Fountain grass sways in the breeze and softens hard edges.

It’s perfect for adding movement and height without turning your pool into a jungle.

Fast facts:

• Comes in green, purple, or bronze tones
• Non-invasive varieties are best (like ‘Hameln’)
• Low litter and easy to manage

Cut it back once a year and enjoy the waves.

15. Jasmine (Star Jasmine or Arabian Jasmine)

Want fragrance near your poolside lounge chair? Jasmine delivers.

Its small white flowers perfume the air in the evening like a high-end spa.

Why it rocks:

• Grows on trellises, fences, or containers
• Stays relatively clean
• Smells divine

Keep it pruned and contained, and you’ll fall in love.

16. Croton

Crotons are like the peacocks of the plant world.

They come in wild colors—reds, oranges, greens, and yellows—all on one leaf.

Best features:

• Loves full sun
• Adds tropical vibes instantly
• Great for pots around the pool

It’s not frost-hardy, so treat it as seasonal in colder zones.

17. Aloe Vera

Low effort? Check. Medicinal? Check. Looks cool? Check.

Aloe Vera is more than just a sunburn savior—it’s a poolside all-star.

Why I always plant it nearby:

• Super drought-tolerant
• No shedding
• Kids get burns, and aloe helps—simple math

Plus, it looks good in modern or desert-style designs.

18. Papyrus

This one’s for the bold. Papyrus gives you tall, fluffy green plumes that look straight out of a painting.

It loves wet feet, so it thrives near splash zones or in a decorative water feature.

What makes it stand out:

• Adds vertical drama
• Non-invasive roots
• Works in containers or planted beds

It’ll make your pool feel like an exotic resort.

19. Bamboo (Clumping only!)

Let’s get this straight—only use clumping bamboo, or your backyard will turn into a horror movie.

But if you pick the right kind, it gives you instant height and privacy.

Why it’s amazing:

• Fast-growing
• Windproof screen
• Looks lush and tropical

Stick to varieties like Bambusa or Alphonse Karr.

20. Succulents (Like Echeveria or Sedum)

If your idea of pool care includes “barely watering anything,” succulents are calling your name.

They work beautifully in rock gardens, containers, or border edges.

Best benefits:

• They don’t shed
• They love hot, dry conditions
• They come in tons of colors and textures

Group them together for a modern, minimalist vibe.

Final Splash: Picking the Right Plant Isn’t That Hard

You don’t need a landscape architect or a PhD in botany to plant around your pool.

Just stick to low-shedding, sun-loving, and drought-tolerant picks, and you’re already ahead of the game.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Avoid messy plants like deciduous trees or high-pollen shrubs
• Use containers when in doubt—super easy to move and control
• Mix texture and color for a layered, natural look

Want my personal favorite? Lavender and agave. Together, they smell good, look amazing, and never complain.

Now go out there and make your pool look like a magazine cover.
(And don’t forget to send me a picture. I love judging… I mean, admiring… other people’s landscaping.)