When it comes to creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space around your swimming pool, selecting the right plants can make all the difference.
Not only do plants add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your pool area, but they also provide practical benefits for pool owners, such as reducing debris, providing shade, and creating privacy.
The challenge is, Brisbane’s subtropical climate requires plants that are well-suited to the local weather conditions. This step is crucial for ensuring that your pool surroundings look healthy and lush all year round and contribute to the overall ambience of your pool area.
Whether you’re looking to create a lush, tropical oasis or a more natural, minimalist look, there are a variety of pool landscaping plants that can be used. From trees and shrubs to flowering plants and vines, the possibilities are endless. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all plants are created equal when it comes to their suitability for pool landscaping.
This article will outline 10 of the best swimming pool landscaping plants in Brisbane, as well as additional options to consider, factors to keep in mind when selecting plants, and placement considerations for optimal plant growth and pool maintenance.
Let’s get right into it!
10 Best Plants for Pool Landscaping in Brisbane
#1 – Lomandra longifolia
Also known as Spiny-headed Mat-rush, Lomandra longifolia is a native Australian plant that is well-suited for pool landscaping and one of the best plants around pools overall. It has long, strap-like leaves that form clumps and produces spikes of yellow flowers during spring and summer.
#2 – Cycas revoluta
Commonly known as the Sago Palm, this is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that adds a tropical touch to your pool landscape. Its feathery, fern-like leaves and thick trunk make it a perfect choice for creating a natural barrier as part of your pool surrounds aesthetic.
#3 – Agave attenuata
This plant for pool areas is native to Mexico and has strikingly beautiful blue-green leaves that form a rosette shape. It is low-maintenance and can withstand hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent option for Brisbane’s hot summers.
#4 – Strelitzia nicolai
Known as the Giant Bird of Paradise, this plant has large, banana-like leaves that can grow up to 6 feet long. It produces white flowers that resemble birds’ heads, adding a dramatic touch to your pool landscape.
#5 – Canna indica
This is a tropical plant that produces large, colourful flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. It is an excellent option for pool landscaping as it adds a pop of colour and creates a lush, tropical ambience.
#6 – Chlorophytum comosum
Also known as the Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum is an easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for pool landscaping. It has long, arching leaves that produce small white flowers and creates a cascading effect when planted in hanging baskets.
#7 – Cordyline fruticosa
This is a tropical plant that is commonly referred to as the Ti plant. It has colourful, strap-like leaves that can be green, red, pink, or variegated. It adds a bold, tropical touch to your pool landscape.
#8 – Liriope muscari
This plant for pool areas is commonly known as Lilyturf and is native to East Asia. It has grass-like leaves that produce spikes of purple flowers and is a low-maintenance option for pool landscaping.
#9 – Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
This is a tropical plant that produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. It is an excellent option for pool landscaping as it adds a pop of colour and creates a vibrant, tropical ambience.
#10 – Bambusa textilis
Known as Weaver’s Bamboo, the final entry on this list of pool-friendly plants and trees is a fast-growing, evergreen bamboo that adds a natural, calming touch to your pool landscape. Its tall, slender stems and feathery leaves provide privacy and create a serene atmosphere.
The Benefits of Using Plants in Pool Landscaping
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, plants also provide practical benefits for pool owners.
- They can help to reduce the amount of debris that falls into your pool, such as leaves and twigs. This can help to keep your pool clean and reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning it.
- Plants can also provide shade, which is especially important in Brisbane’s hot, sunny climate. Shade can help to keep your pool water cool and reduce evaporation, which can save you money on water and chemical costs.
- Plants can provide privacy. Whether you want to block out nosy neighbours or just create a more secluded area for lounging, the right plants can help to create a natural barrier around your pool. Bamboo and palms are popular choices for creating a privacy screen around your pool.
When selecting plants for your pool landscaping, it is important to choose species that are well-suited to Brisbane’s climate. The subtropical climate can be harsh on plants, with high temperatures, humidity, and frequent rainfall. The plants listed above are all well-suited to these conditions and can thrive in Brisbane’s climate.
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Looking for More Pool Friendly Plants and Trees?
✔ Frangipani (Plumeria sp.) >- This tropical tree produces fragrant, colourful flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow.
✔ Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus>) – This fern has large, glossy leaves that add a lush, tropical look to your pool area.
✔ Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.)> – This flowering vine produces colourful, papery bracts in shades of pink, red, orange, and purple.
✔ Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)> – This tropical plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that can add a bold, dramatic look to your pool area.
✔ Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum)> – This evergreen shrub produces fragrant white flowers and can be used to create a natural privacy screen around your pool.
How to Choose the Best Pool Area Plants
When selecting plants for your pool landscaping, it is important to consider factors such as:
- Maintenance
- Water requirements
- Potential allergens
Some plants require more maintenance compared to others and may need to be pruned or trimmed regularly to keep them looking their best. Water requirements can also vary, with some plants needing more frequent watering than others. Finally, it is important to consider potential allergens, especially if you or your family members have allergies.
In addition to selecting the right plants, it is also important to consider the placement of your plants in your pool area.
For example, you may want to avoid planting trees or large shrubs too close to your pool, as their roots can cause damage to your pool’s plumbing or foundation. You may also want to consider the amount of sunlight that different areas of your pool area receive, and select plants that are well-suited to those conditions.
Swimming Pool Landscaping Plants: The Final Word
Selecting the right plants for your pool landscaping project can help to create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
By considering factors such as climate, maintenance, and placement, you can select the best plants for your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you prefer a lush, tropical look or a more minimalist, natural feel, the right plants can help you achieve your desired aesthetic while also providing practical benefits such as shade, privacy, and reduced debris in your pool.
Take the Plunge With Brizscapes
At Brizscapes, we’re known for our award-winning landscape designs and treat every project as a chance to showcase our unmatched skill and expertise. We’ll come out to your home and provide an on-site consultation to walk you through your options so you can plan for your new pool with confidence.
Our team is happy to help you compare your options and come up with the pool choice that meets your needs, so put our knowledge to the test today.
Learn more about our pool builder services by calling us on 0439 532 152 or request your own 100% obligation-free quote online now!
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