Best Plants for Poolside Landscaping That Won’t Make a Mess 

A pristine pool area is the heart of your backyard oasis. Choosing the right plants for poolside landscaping is crucial to maintain cleanliness and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. For our clients in New York and New Jersey, selecting native, low-maintenance plants ensures adaptability to the local climate while minimizing debris.

Plant Recommendations for Your Outdoor Space 

Little Bluestem

This plant, also known as Broom Sedge (Schizachyrium scoparium), is an ornamental grass that offers blue-green foliage turning a striking reddish-bronze in the fall. Its clump-forming habit keeps it from spreading uncontrollably, reducing maintenance. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, it’s an excellent choice for poolside areas.

Purple Coneflower 

Echinacea purpurea, a favorite among gardeners, boasts vibrant purple blooms from June to August. This drought-tolerant plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life to your poolside without the mess of falling leaves or petals.

Black-eyed Susan

Sometimes called Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta),it brightens up any space with its yellow petals and dark centers. Blooming from July to October, this resilient and low-maintenance plant has sturdy stems and minimal seed drop, keeping your poolside area tidy.

Eastern Redbud

For those seeking a small ornamental tree, the Cercis canadensis, or American Redbud, provides stunning pink flowers in early spring and heart-shaped leaves throughout summer. Drought-resistant and offering year-round interest, it’s a beautiful option without excessive leaf drop.

Switchgrass

Also known as Panic Grass (Panicum virgatum), brings texture and movement to landscapes with its airy seed heads. This native grass is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and effective for erosion control, making it a practical and attractive addition near pools.

Bearberry

Referred to as Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), it is a creeping evergreen ground cover that features glossy leaves, delicate white to pink flowers in spring, and red berries from June to November. Thriving in sandy soils and full sun to partial shade, it provides a lush carpet without the mess of larger shrubs or trees.

Bluets (Houstonia caerulea), also called Quaker Ladies, are tiny spring wildflowers that create a delicate, pale blue carpet in dry, sunny areas. These drought-tolerant perennials grow just a few inches tall, clustering densely and adding a subtle charm to your poolside landscape without contributing significant debris.

Safety Considerations

If you have pets or young children, it’s important to choose non-toxic plants. Avoid toxic varieties like Oleander or Foxglove and opt for safer alternatives such as lavender or ornamental grasses. Additionally, steer clear of plants with sharp thorns or irritating sap, like yucca, cactus, or rose bushes, to prevent injuries around the pool area.

Pest Control & Maintenance Tips

To keep mosquitoes at bay naturally, consider planting lavender, citronella, marigolds, or rosemary. Suppressing weeds and managing overgrowth is easier with mulch, stone edging, or ground covers like creeping thyme. Seasonal maintenance is key—remove dead foliage and trim back perennials in the fall, then apply a light layer of mulch in winter to protect roots and maintain soil moisture.

Water-Efficiency & Eco-Friendly Choices

Drought-resistant plants like Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, and Coneflower require minimal watering once established, making them eco-friendly choices. Using native species ensures they thrive in the local climate, reducing the need for extra fertilizers and irrigation. Adding a layer of mulch around plants further conserves moisture, cutting down on water use.

When planning your poolside landscaping, avoid deciduous trees that shed leaves, as they can increase pool maintenance. Instead, choose evergreens or plants with minimal leaf drop. Be mindful of root systems—opt for non-invasive plants to protect pool structures and plumbing. Also, consider sunlight exposure and select plants that will thrive in your specific pool area conditions.

By incorporating these native, low-maintenance plants into your poolside landscape, you’ll create a serene and tidy environment that enhances your outdoor living experience. At B&B Pool and Spa Center, we’re here to help you design and maintain the perfect poolside retreat. Contact us for your landscape consultation to discuss how we can transform your backyard retreat.