Often times when building a swimming pool our clients ask for landscaping ideas. Florida’s hot and humid climate presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to landscaping around a pool. Here are some plants that are recommended for poolside landscaping in Florida:
Bird of Paradise
This tropical plant with its distinctive orange and blue flowers is a popular choice for poolside landscaping in Florida. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun.
Bromeliads
These plants are known for their colorful foliage and exotic appearance. They can tolerate heat and humidity and are great for adding texture to your pool area.
Canna Lilies
These plants have large, showy flowers and can thrive in hot, humid conditions. They are also easy to maintain and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Agave
This succulent plant is well-suited for Florida’s hot and dry climate. It has a striking appearance that can add visual interest to your pool area. Just remember to keep this plant away from high traffic areas or too close to the pool to prevent your swimmers and guests from accidentally grazing one of it’s gorgeous, but sharp leaves.
Foxtail Fern
This fern-like plant is great for adding texture and color to your pool area. It can tolerate heat and humidity and is low-maintenance.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is a low-growing, rampant, evergreen ground cover. It’s golden-green, small rounded leaves will bring a bit of color and cheer to pool planters or garden beds around your pool .
Sea Grape
This native plant is ideal for poolside landscaping in Florida. It has thick, glossy leaves that provide shade and privacy, and it can tolerate salt spray from the pool.
When selecting plants for your pool area, be sure to choose plants that are not prone to shedding leaves or flowers, as this can create a mess in the pool water. Also, steer clear of plants having invasive or aggressive root systems that can damage the pool as they seek out water include:
- Willows
- Ficus
- Mulberry
- Cottonwoods
- Silver Maple
- American Elm
- Jacaranda
- Sweet Acacia
You should also avoid plants with thorns or spines that can be hazardous to swimmers and visitors.
Plants with thorns or spines to avoid:
- Bougainvillea
- Holly
- Thorny Yuccas
- Cacti
You can purchase any of the plants pictured above at Earthworks, located here in Jacksonville, Florida. Earthworks has a gorgeous garden center where you can pick out your plants, or if you would like help they are a full service landscaping company that can design your poolside paradise.