Ever lounged by the pool at a fancy resort, surrounded by swaying palms, and thought, “Why can’t my backyard feel like this?” Well, good news—it can! With the best poolside plants, it’s easy to turn your outdoor space into a little slice of paradise, complete with tropical trees, colorful flowers, and lush plants that can handle the heat.
From bold Bird of Paradise to bug-repelling lavender and easy-to-care-for agave, these poolside plants are all about style and staying power. Some are perfect for in-ground landscaping, while others thrive in cute containers next to your lounge chair. Whether you're going for lush and whimsical or clean and modern, there's something here to match your style. And no matter which plants you choose to grow, one thing's for sure: Your next pool party just got a serious upgrade!
1. Bird of Paradise
This tropical beauty brings serious resort vibes with its bold, fan-like leaves and bright orange blooms. It thrives in full sun and doesn’t mind a little poolside splash. Just water it regularly during dry spells to keep it looking lush.
2. Hibiscus
Want that "on vacation" feeling every day? Hibiscus plants bloom in big, bold colors and love the heat, making them perfect for sunny pool areas. Keep the soil moist and give it plenty of sunshine to keep the blooms coming.
3. Agave
Agave adds structural style with its spiky look—and the best part? It’s super low-maintenance and doesn’t drop leaves into the pool. It barely needs any water. Just plant it in well-drained soil and forget about it.
4. Lavender
This fragrant favorite keeps things calm and pretty with its purple flowers and silvery foliage. Plus, it helps repel bugs, which is a huge win for pool hangouts. It thrives in full sun and dry soil, so don’t overwater it.
5. Mexican Feather Grass
Soft and swishy, this ornamental grass adds movement and texture without making a mess. It’s drought-tolerant and super easy to grow. Just give it a sunny spot and let it do its thing.
6. Sago Palm
Love a tropical vibe but don’t want the mess? Sago palms stay compact, don’t shed much, and bring that classic palm look. Water sparingly and avoid planting it in soggy soil.
7. Bougainvillea
If you’re going for bright and bold, bougainvillea is your plant. It thrives in heat, drapes beautifully over fences, and brings gorgeous color. Prune regularly to keep it under control and blooming strong.
8. Lantana
This colorful little shrub is super tough and blooms all summer long. Bees and butterflies love it, which is great for your garden—just don’t plant it right next to the pool. Give it full sun and it’ll thrive, even in hot, dry weather.
9. Yucca
With their bold shape and sword-like leaves, yucca plants are quite striking. They’re also super drought-resistant, making them ideal for sunny poolscapes. Give them lots of sun and don’t water too often.
10. Oleander
Oleander shrubs grow tall and full, which makes them great for privacy. They bloom with pretty pink, white, or red flowers—but be careful, they’re toxic if eaten, so avoid them if you have curious pets. They love full sun and don’t need much water once they’re settled in.
11. Cannas
Cannas have big, tropical leaves and bright flowers that scream “summer.” They’re perfect for adding a dash of drama to your pool area. They like moist soil and full sun, so water often and give them room to shine.
12. Rosemary
This aromatic herb pulls double duty—it looks good, smells amazing, and even works in recipes! It handles heat well and doesn't mind the occasional splash. Let the soil dry between waterings and plant in full sun.
13. Cordyline
With its spiky leaves and deep pink or burgundy tones, cordyline brings the perfect pop of color for your pool. Try planting it in a container near your lounge chairs to add a bold, tropical vibe. Keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
14. Knock Out Roses
These gorgeous roses bloom nonstop and require very little attention. They’re great for adding a touch of romance to your pool area. Give them 6 hours of sun and trim occasionally to keep them blooming.
15. Banana Plant
Want the ultimate tropical scenery? Banana plants grow fast, love the sun, and make your yard feel like a lush getaway. They love rich, moist soil and need regular watering, especially in hot weather.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
