Creating a poolside garden can turn your backyard into a tranquil oasis, but the last thing you want is a garden that requires constant upkeep. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful, low-maintenance plants that will thrive near your pool, allowing you to enjoy a lush, vibrant space without all the hassle.
The key is selecting plants that can withstand the unique conditions around Newcastle Swimming Pools, such as chlorine, high heat, and exposure to sunlight. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best plants for a low-maintenance poolside garden, ensuring your outdoor space looks stunning year-round with minimal effort.
1. Liriope (L2iriope muscari)
Liriope, commonly known as monkey grass, is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance poolside garden. This hardy, evergreen plant thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile option for many pool areas.
Liriope features dense, arching blades of green grass-like foliage that can form a neat border around your pool, adding texture and structure. It also produces purple or white flowers during the warmer months, offering a pop of colour without requiring much care.
2. Agave (Agave americana)
Agave plants are perfect for poolside gardens that need a bold statement plant with minimal maintenance. Known for their striking architectural form, agaves have thick, spiky leaves that create a dramatic look around the pool. They thrive in full sun, which makes them ideal for pool areas that get plenty of light.
3. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
If you’re looking for a groundcover plant that can spread quickly and add a burst of colour, Creeping Jenny is an excellent choice. This low-growing perennial produces round, bright green or golden-yellow leaves and can form a dense mat of foliage around your pool area. Creeping Jenny thrives in both sunny and partially shaded conditions, making it ideal for various poolside settings.
What makes Creeping Jenny particularly attractive is its ability to handle a bit of foot traffic. It can withstand being walked on, which is essential for poolside gardens where people may walk barefoot or lounge around.
Additionally, it is highly tolerant of moist soil, making it a great option for areas near the pool that might receive excess water. Creeping Jenny is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional trimming to keep it under control.
4. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
For a plant that adds bold colour and architectural appeal, look no further than the Red Hot Poker. Known for its tall, spiky flower stalks that resemble a torch, this plant features striking red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a lively touch to your poolside garden.
Red Hot Pokers are hardy, drought-tolerant, and relatively low-maintenance once established. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect fit for poolside gardens. While they don’t require much care, it’s a good idea to deadhead the spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy. Red Hot Pokers are also resistant to pests, which further reduces the need for maintenance.
5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
If you want to create a tropical-inspired poolside garden with minimal effort, the Bird of Paradise is a fantastic choice. Known for its dramatic, fan-like leaves and stunning orange and blue flowers, this plant can create a striking focal point around your pool area. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate the heat, making it perfect for a poolside environment.
While Bird of Paradise can grow quite large, it requires minimal pruning and upkeep. Once established, it only needs occasional watering and can tolerate dry spells. Its bold appearance and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of exotic flair without a lot of work.
6. Palms (Various species)
Palms are a classic addition to any poolside garden. Their tall, elegant fronds create a tropical feel, and they generally require very little attention. Some of the best palms for low-maintenance poolside gardens include the Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), the Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), and the Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis). These palms are drought-tolerant once established and can handle a bit of saltwater and chlorine exposure.
Palms thrive in full sun to partial shade, and their slow growth means you won’t need to worry about constant pruning. The only maintenance they require is an occasional trim of dead fronds, and they’re generally pest-resistant. Whether you have a large or small pool area, palms can add height and a touch of luxury to your garden without demanding a lot of care.
7. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
For those who want a fragrant, low-maintenance plant that’s also visually appealing, lavender is a fantastic option. This hardy, drought-tolerant shrub is perfect for poolside gardens with plenty of sun. Its silver-grey foliage and vibrant purple flowers make it a standout plant that adds both colour and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Lavender requires very little water once established, making it an ideal choice for areas near the pool that may get splashed with chlorinated water. It also thrives in well-drained soil and doesn’t need frequent pruning, aside from the occasional trim to maintain its shape. Lavender is also known to be resistant to pests, further reducing the need for maintenance.
Conclusion
A low-maintenance poolside garden is the perfect way to enhance your outdoor living space without the stress of constant upkeep. By choosing the right plants that are suited to the conditions around your pool—such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and the ability to handle occasional splashes of pool water—you can create a beautiful, easy-care garden that complements your pool.
From hardy succulents like agave to fragrant shrubs like lavender, the options for a low-maintenance poolside garden are endless. By selecting the best plants for your space, you can relax and enjoy your backyard oasis without worrying about upkeep.
Whether you’re after a bold tropical look or a more understated, native Australian garden, there’s a perfect plant for every poolside setting. With these low-maintenance plants, you’ll be able to create a vibrant, tranquil space to relax and entertain, all while keeping the workload to a minimum.