Designing your garden around a swimming pool can be a daunting task, especially in Texas. With hot summers and extreme weather conditions, it’s important to find the right plants that can withstand the heat without compromising on beauty. Fortunately, many plants thrive in Texas and can create the perfect oasis around your pool. In this article, we’ll explore the best plants to put around a pool in Texas, giving you the inspiration you need to transform your swimming pool area.
Consider the Climate
Before choosing your plants, it’s important to consider the climate in your area. The hot and dry summers of Texas can be tough on many plants, but there are plenty of resilient options to choose from. Some of the best plants for Texas pool areas include:
- Crape Myrtle – With its stunning red, pink, and white blooms, crape Myrtle is a popular choice for Texas pool areas. This tree can tolerate heat and drought, making it an excellent option for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Agave – This succulent plant is native to Texas and can thrive in hot, arid conditions. With its striking appearance and low-maintenance needs, agave is an excellent choice for poolside landscaping.
- Bougainvillea – Known for its vibrant flowers, bougainvillea can add a pop of colour to any pool area. This plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions, making it a popular choice for Texas residents.
- Plumeria – Plumeria is a tropical plant that thrives in hot and humid climates. With its fragrant flowers and striking appearance, a plumeria is a great option for poolside landscaping in Texas.
Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
While it’s tempting to choose plants based on their appearance alone, it’s important to consider the maintenance required to keep them looking their best. In Texas, where temperatures can soar and rainfall can be scarce, it’s important to choose low-maintenance plants that can withstand the elements. Some great options for low-maintenance plants around your pool include:
- Aloe Vera – This succulent plant requires very little water and can tolerate extreme temperatures. With its unique appearance and health benefits, aloe vera is a great addition to any pool area.
- Peperomia – Peperomia is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in any lighting condition. With its small size and vibrant foliage, peperomia is a great option for creating a lush look around your pool area.
- Texas Sage – Also known as “cenizo”, this plant is native to Texas and can tolerate drought conditions. With its stunning purple flowers and evergreen leaves, Texas sage is a great option for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Yucca: Another low-maintenance option is Yucca. This plant can survive in dry soils and sunny conditions, making it perfect for hot Texas summers.
Consider plants that reduce slipping hazards
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting plants to put around a pool. Choosing plants that have a non-slip texture and are not overly prickly can help reduce slipping hazards. Some slip-resistant plants include:
- Liriope – This grass-like plant has a thick texture that helps prevent slipping. It’s a great option for pool edges or walkways.
- Sedum – This groundcover plant has a mat-like texture that helps reduce slipping and is great for covering bare soil areas around pool decks.
Incorporate Shade Trees
In Texas, where the sun can be harsh and relentless, incorporating some shade trees into your pool area is essential. Not only will they provide much-needed relief from the sun, but they can also add a beautiful and natural element to your landscaping. Consider some of these shade trees for your pool area:
- Live Oak – This native Texas tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and provide ample shade to your pool area. With its stunning appearance and low-maintenance needs, live oak is an excellent option for backyard landscaping.
- Red Maple – With its vibrant foliage and beautiful appearance, red maple is a great option for poolside landscaping. This tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and provide plenty of shade to your pool area.
- Magnolia – Magnolia trees are known for their stunning white flowers and fragrant blooms. With its large size and broad leaves, magnolia is an excellent option for providing shade to your pool area.
Strategically Place Plants for Privacy
One of the key benefits of having plants around your pool is the privacy they can provide. Whether you’re looking to block out the neighbours or simply create a more secluded environment, the strategic placement of plants can make a big difference. Consider adding these plants to your pool area for increased privacy:
- Bamboo – Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can provide ample coverage for your pool area. With its unique appearance and low-maintenance needs, bamboo is an excellent option for creating a more secluded environment.
- Holly – Holly is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 15 feet tall. With its dense foliage and low-maintenance needs, Holly is a great option for creating a privacy screen around your pool area.
- Ficus – Ficus is a versatile plant that can be used for both privacy and shade. With its dense foliage and ability to grow tall and wide, a ficus is an excellent option for creating a natural barrier around your pool area.
Consider Plants for Integrating Water Features
Integrating natural water features into your pool area can create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. With the right plants and landscaping, you can create a beautiful and cohesive environment that blends seamlessly with your swimming pool. Consider these plants for integrating water features:
- Water Lilies – Water lilies are a popular choice for adding a natural water feature to your pool area. With their stunning blooms and ability to tolerate heat and sun, water lilies are an excellent choice for Texas pool areas.
- Papyrus – This plant is native to Egypt and is often used in water gardens and pool landscaping. With its unique appearance and ability to grow in low water conditions, papyrus is a great option for creating a natural water feature around your swimming pool.
- Marsh Marigold – With its bright yellow flowers and ability to grow in both wet and dry conditions, marsh Marigold is an excellent option for creating a natural water feature. This plant is low-maintenance and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to creating the perfect oasis around your pool in Texas, the right plants can make all the difference. By choosing resilient, low-maintenance plants that can withstand the extreme weather conditions of Texas, you can create a beautiful and natural environment that complements your swimming pool. Whether you’re looking to create privacy, add shade, or integrate natural water features, there are plenty of plants to choose from. Use this guide to get inspiration for your poolside landscaping and start creating the perfect outdoor oasis today.
