Are you looking to transform your pool area into something special? I’ve spent years testing which plants actually work around pools, and I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Plants that handle chlorine splash and poolside conditions
• Easy-care options that won’t shed into your water
• Privacy solutions without building a fence
• Bug-repelling varieties to enjoy your pool in peace

The wrong plants can create a cleaning nightmare, but the right ones make your pool feel like a resort getaway. Whether you have a tiny above-ground pool or a sprawling in-ground one, these potted plant ideas work for any size space or budget.

Why Potted Plants and Pools Go Great Together

I love how potted plants add life to my pool area! They bring color, texture, and a natural feel to what could otherwise be a plain concrete space. Plants in pots offer a great deal of flexibility—I can move them around when I host parties or want a change of scenery.

They also create privacy without needing to build a fence, which my neighbors appreciate. Additionally, the soft rustling of leaves creates a peaceful background sound, making lounging by the water even more relaxing.

The best part? Potted plants let me garden without digging up my pool deck. When a plant outgrows its pot or doesn’t thrive in a particular spot, I pick it up and relocate it to a more suitable location.

Think Before Picking Plants

Before buying plants for my pool area, I considered these critical factors:

• Pool conditions are harsh – Chlorine splash, reflected heat, and humidity stress most plants. I mapped my pool’s sun exposure first, noting which areas get full sun versus partial shade.
• Maintenance matters – I chose low-shedding plants to reduce pool cleaning time. Nobody wants to skim leaves when they could be swimming!
• Pot selection is crucial – I avoid ceramic pots that overheat and crack. Composite or weighted plastic containers are more effective, but they must be sufficiently heavy to resist wind.
• Watch those roots – Aggressive root systems can damage pool decks if pots crack. I inspect containers regularly to identify and prevent damage.

Big-Leaf Potted Plants for Pool-Side

When I want to make a statement with my pool landscaping, I go for plants with large, dramatic leaves. These eye-catching options create an instant tropical feel and provide a striking contrast to the water’s surface.

1. Banana Plants

These stunning plants thrive surprisingly well in pots and add an instant tropical vibe. I keep mine in a 24-inch pot with rich, moist soil. They grow incredibly fast – mine shot up 5 feet in just one summer!

While they won’t produce edible fruit in most home gardens, their massive leaves create dramatic movement in the breeze and cast beautiful shadows on the pool’s surface.

2. Elephant Ears

I love how the massive heart-shaped leaves of elephant ears (Colocasia) create bold texture around my pool. They come in green, black, and variegated varieties, all with leaves that can reach over 2 feet long.

They thrive in large pots with consistent moisture and fertilizer. Just be sure to give them some protection from strong winds that can tear their impressive leaves.

3. Bird of Paradise

This iconic tropical plant brings a resort-like feel to any pool area. The long, paddle-shaped leaves fan out dramatically from the center, creating a sculptural look even before they bloom.

Mine took about three years to flower, but the striking orange and blue bird-like blooms were worth the wait. They prefer well-draining soil and require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to perform optimally.

Colorful Potted Plants for Pool-Side

I’ve found that adding bright flowers around my pool creates an instant vacation feel. Not all flowering plants can handle the challenging pool environment, but these tough beauties thrive despite chlorine splash, reflected heat, and occasional neglect.

4. Geraniums

These are my absolute poolside champions for reliable color all season long. I plant mine in terracotta pots, which helps keep their roots from getting too wet. They come in reds, pinks, whites, and salmon that look stunning against blue water.

Geraniums are perfect for pools because they are drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional splashing. I deadhead spent blooms weekly to keep them flowering from spring through fall.

5. Marigolds

I count on marigolds when I want bold, sun-loving color that can take the heat. Their gold, yellow, and orange blooms are practically indestructible in hot conditions. As a bonus, their distinct scent naturally deters some insects from the pool area.

I grow them in medium-sized pots and find they bloom best when I let the soil dry slightly between waterings. They’re also incredibly affordable, making them perfect for filling multiple containers.

6. Zinnias

For the biggest color impact with minimal effort, I plant zinnias in several pots by the pool. They come in practically every color except blue and grow quickly from seed sown directly into containers.

I’ve found the “Profusion” series works especially well as they stay compact but flower abundantly. Their strong stems withstand splashes from the pool and summer storms, and they attract butterflies that add another layer of beauty to the area around my pool.

Plants That Smell Good Around the Pool

I’ve discovered that adding fragrant plants to my pool area creates a true sensory experience. The key is choosing varieties with pleasant scents that aren’t overwhelming in the heat. These aromatic plants make my pool space feel like a high-end spa retreat.

7. Lavender

This Mediterranean favorite has become the anchor of my fragrant pool garden. Its soft, purple blooms and silvery foliage look beautiful against the pool’s blues, while releasing a gentle, calming scent.

I grow French lavender in pots, which handles humidity better than English varieties. Beyond its wonderful smell, lavender naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects that can ruin pool time. I place it near seating areas where guests can brush against it to release more scent.

8. Rosemary

My upright rosemary plants serve multiple purposes around the pool. Their pine-like fragrance is refreshing without being overpowering, and their blue flowers add a subtle touch of color. I grow them in well-draining soil with plenty of sun exposure.

The best part is snipping fresh sprigs for poolside drinks or grilled meals. Once established, rosemary is extremely drought-tolerant, making it perfect for times when I’m focused more on swimming than plant care.

9. Mint

For areas where I want a burst of cooling fragrance, nothing beats potted mint. The refreshing scent creates an instant feeling of coolness, even on the hottest days. I keep mint strictly in containers since it spreads aggressively in garden beds.

Peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint all work well, but my favorite is lime mint for its citrusy notes. I harvest it regularly for mojitos and infused water, which encourages bushier growth and more fragrance.

Easy-Care Greenery for Pool-Side

Let’s be honest – I want my pool area to look amazing without constant maintenance. These tough plants maintain their good looks through all seasons and weather conditions with minimal attention from me.

10. Snake Plant

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant has become my ultimate workhorse in the pool area. Its striking, upright leaves with yellow edges add architectural interest to any poolside arrangement.

I’ve placed mine in both sunny spots and shadier corners – it performs well in either condition. The best part is its incredible drought tolerance; I sometimes go two weeks without watering, even in the summer heat.

11. ZZ Plant

When I want glossy, dark green foliage that always looks freshly polished, I turn to ZZ plants. Their thick, waxy leaves resist damage from occasional chlorine splashes and remain dust-free, even in outdoor conditions. I place them in areas that get indirect light or morning sun only, as harsh afternoon rays can scorch their leaves.

ZZ plants store water in their bulbous roots, making them incredibly forgiving when I get busy and forget to water. Their slow growth also means they stay neatly contained in their pots for years.

12. Aloe Vera

This practical beauty serves a dual purpose in my pool landscape. Its spiky, geometric form adds modern desert vibes to the design, while its gel-filled leaves provide ready relief for occasional sunburns.

I grow mine in terracotta pots with very well-draining soil and position them in spots that get 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.

As succulents, they require minimal watering – just once every 2-3 weeks, depending on heat. They also produce offsets readily, giving me free plants to expand my collection or share with pool guests.

Potted Shade-Loving Plants Around Pool

Not all pool areas bask in full sunlight all day. I’ve found these shade-tolerant beauties to be perfect for the spots around my pool that receive dappled light or only a few hours of direct sun each day.

13. Ferns

The feathery texture of ferns brings a softness that contrasts beautifully with the hard surfaces and equipment of pools. I grow Boston ferns in hanging baskets near my outdoor shower where they receive filtered light and benefit from the humidity.

Maidenhair ferns add delicate movement to shadier corners with their fine, trembling foliage. The key to success with ferns is consistent moisture.

I check mine daily in the summer heat and mist them often to maintain humidity. Their lush greenery creates a cool, refreshing visual even on the hottest days.

14. Caladiums

When I want dramatic color in low-light pool areas, caladiums are my go-to choice. Their heart-shaped leaves, available in combinations of white, pink, red, and green, bring tropical beauty to shady spots where flowering plants often struggle to thrive.

I plant the bulbs in spring and enjoy months of color with minimal maintenance. They prefer rich, moist soil but not soggy conditions. I’ve found they pair beautifully with ferns for a lush, layered look in the shadier corners of my pool deck.

15. Hostas

For the cooler, north-facing areas around my pool, hostas provide reliable beauty with almost zero effort. Their beautiful foliage comes in blue-green, chartreuse, variegated white, and cream patterns that brighten shady spots.

I grow several varieties in large pots, from miniature types perfect for small spaces to massive specimens with leaves nearly 18 inches across. They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade and well-draining, consistently moist soil.

Their architectural form looks especially striking when uplighting is added for evening pool parties.

Palm-Like Plants

Nothing transforms a basic backyard pool into a resort-like retreat more quickly than palm-like plants. These architectural beauties instantly create a vacation atmosphere and provide structure that looks good year-round.

16. Sago Palm

Though not a true palm (it’s actually a cycad), the sago palm brings prehistoric beauty to my pool area with its stiff, spiky fronds arranged in a perfect circular pattern.

I grow mine in a large ceramic pot, where it has been happy for years with minimal care. It grows very slowly, adding just one new flush of leaves each year, making it ideal for long-term container life.

17. Areca Palm

When I wanted to create natural privacy screening around my pool, areca palms became my top choice. Their feathery, golden-green fronds create a soft, filtered barrier that’s much more beautiful than a fence.

I plant them in large, weighted pots (at least 20 inches wide) with good drainage holes. They prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate some direct sun if gradually acclimated. I fertilize mine every spring with slow-release palm fertilizer to maintain their yellow-green color.

18. Parlor Palm

For the areas around my pool that don’t receive full sun all day, parlor palms provide tropical texture without demanding intense light. Their delicate, arching fronds, with narrow leaflets, add an elegant detail to poolside arrangements.

I group several plants in large planters for a fuller look, as individual plants tend to stay relatively compact. They prefer humidity, making them naturally suited to pool environments where splashing creates moisture.

Plants That Keep Bugs Away

I wanted to enjoy my pool without chemical bug sprays, so I discovered these plants that naturally repel insects. Strategic placement of these varieties has made a noticeable difference in the comfort of my pool area during mosquito season.

19. Citronella

Often marketed as the “mosquito plant,” citronella (a type of scented geranium) has become an essential part of my pool landscaping. Its lemony scent comes from oils in the leaves that mask the human scents mosquitoes are attracted to. I place several pots near seating areas and pool steps, where people tend to gather.

For maximum effectiveness, I occasionally rub or crush a leaf to release more oil when outdoor gatherings start. It grows best in full to partial sun with well-draining soil, and its pretty ruffled leaves add textural interest beyond just pest control.

20. Basil

This culinary herb serves a dual purpose in my pool design – it repels certain flying insects while providing fresh leaves for summer meals and drinks. I grow several varieties in medium-sized pots, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil. Each has slightly different repellent properties and flavors.

They prefer full sun positions and consistent moisture, making regular harvesting important to encourage bushy growth. I place basil pots near outdoor dining areas where their insect-repelling qualities are most appreciated during meals.

21. Lemongrass

For a dramatic, architectural plant that offers serious mosquito protection, I rely on lemongrass. This tall grass, which can reach 3-4 feet in height when grown in containers, contains high levels of citronella oil, the active ingredient in many commercial repellents. Its strong vertical growth creates a stunning visual effect near my pool, while also helping to control flying pests.

I plant it in large, deep pots with rich soil and position it where its fragrant leaves can catch the breeze. Besides pest control, I harvest stalks for Thai cooking and teas, which encourages fresh growth with maximum repellent properties.

Fun Add-Ons to Make Your Potted Plants Pop

I’ve found some cool ways to make my pool plants stand out even more.

Solar-powered stake lights placed in larger pots create an amazing evening ambiance. The light shining through leaves creates beautiful patterns on the pool surface at night. Decorative rocks or colored glass mulch on top of the soil adds visual interest and reduces water evaporation. I use blue glass mulch in some pots to echo the pool color.

Plant stands of various heights help create more vertical interest. I use stands to elevate smaller plants to the same visual level as larger ones, creating a more visually appealing look. Grouping pots by color theme (either the pots themselves or the plants) creates a more designed, put-together look than random placement.

Final Thoughts

Adding plants around my pool changed everything about how I enjoy my outdoor space. The right greenery creates a personal retreat that feels both luxurious and welcoming.

The best approach? Start with just 3-5 plants in key spots. See how they handle your specific conditions before investing in more.

What I love most about potted plants is the freedom to experiment and create. Nothing’s set in stone—move them around until you find what works! Your pool area should match your style, whether that’s tropical, modern, or cottage-like. The plants you choose help set that mood instantly.

These green additions do more than look good—they create privacy, block noise, and give the space a finished feel. With the ideas in this guide, you’ll make a pool area that feels like your own private paradise.