Adding some poolside plants can provide privacy and shade, as well as make the space that much more attractive and inviting. However, not all plants are able to withstand a chlorine or saltwater environment, and some plants also don’t like the harsh micro-climate that the winds, bright sunlight and increased humidity can create.
When it comes to selecting the best plants for your pool area in Perth, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Perth is known for its hot, dry summers and mild winters, so you’ll want to choose plants that can tolerate these conditions. You’ll also want to consider the amount of sunlight that your pool area receives, as this will help you choose plants that are well-suited to these conditions.
How to Best Plants for Pool Areas
This guide will give you some ideas on how to choose the best plants for pool areas, letting you know some of the most chlorine-tolerant plants, along with what to look out for. This will help you save money and time and make sure you have the best pool plants
Select Litter Free Plants
Try to avoid plants that shed twigs and leaves all year round, so you don’t spend hours sweeping up your pool area before using it. Silky oaks, Illawarra flame trees and jacarandas shed leaves and flowers through the summer, making it a challenge to use your pool. Some plants that won’t drop too many leaves include flax, cordylines and palm trees.
A great litter-free plant for a pool area in Perth is the native grass species, Lomandra. This family of tough, drought-tolerant grasses are perfect for hot, dry areas and can withstand extreme heat and full sun exposure. Some of them, like longifolia do flower, so take that into consideration when planting – flowers in the pool can be annoying! Lomandra’s are a low-maintenance plant that require minimal watering and are resistant to pests and diseases while remaining evergreen. It’s a great choice for creating a natural, informal look around your pool.
Avoid Plants with Extensive Roots
Umbrella trees, bamboo, gum, deciduous trees and rubber trees might look good, but their extensive and sprawling roots can cause unseen damage below the ground with your underground pipes, paving and even the pool shell.
Watch Out For Pollen
Regular maintenance of your pool will make sure that pollen doesn’t cause too much damage to your filtration and cleaning equipment, although it’s impossible to keep all pollen out of the pool. Be sure to regularly clean or replace your baskets, cover your pool while you are away, and attach a fine material such as pantyhose or cheesecloth to your skimmer before cleaning pollen off your pool’s surface.
Pay Attention to New Plants
New plants will need extra care and attention before they are well established, including an initial deepwater planting and during the dryer months, at least twice a month. Plenty of mulch around smaller seedlings and plants will help to protect them from the sun, although you should keep mulch away from the trunk so as to prevent rot. If pool area plants are in direct sun for most of the day, a light shade cloth may be the solution.
Best Poolside Plants for Salt Water Swimming Pools
If you have a swimming pool containing salt water, make a point of planting some salt water tolerant plants in and around your pool area, to ensure they will thrive. Plants that have waxy, furry or silvery leaves are generally ideal if you want plants near your saltwater pool; some good examples of these include cycads, yucca plants, aloe, agaves and bromeliads.
Other plants that don’t mind being splashed by salty water every so often include echiums, pig face, coastal banksia, dianella, agave attenuates, and palms, many of which can be seen in coastal areas.
Best Poolside Plants for Chlorinated Swimming Pools
Some plants can withstand being splashed by chlorinated water better than others, although no plant is truly 100 per cent suited. Think of plants that have larger and leathery leaves, including golden cane palms, erigeron daisy, cordylines, murrayas and star jasmine.
Let Perth Landscaping Help Choose Your Poolside Plants
The most ideal approach to ensure your pool is both lovely and green and a safe and low-maintenance area, is to check your poolside plant selection with an expert landscape designer.
Let us know you’d like a chat with any of our local and qualified landscape designers to help with your pool plant selection and design.
We can advise and consult on your project, or help you start from scratch – just get in touch! Our team at Perth Landscaping would love to help with your pool plan!