5 Perfect Plants for Your Orlando, FL Pool Design

Written by: Ella Taylor
Date: October 15, 2022

Plants make everything around them more beautiful and your swimming pool landscape is no exception. Different types of flowers and foliage can be used to create a variety of looks, whether that's a tropical oasis, or modern retreat. Plants provide a natural aesthetic that many people appreciate while also helping to increase the property's perceived value. 

However, not all plants are perfect for planting around a pool. If you're a homeowner with a swimming pool (or are thinking of owning one) then keep reading for the 5 perfect plants for your Orlando, FL pool.

Agave (Attenuata)

This variety of Agave is perfect poolside because it's basically indestructible and virtually maintenance free. This sturdy plant is able to withstand the heat, sun and drought without problem, plus it doesn't shed its leaves. You'll only need to trim off any withered leaves once in a while to keep it looking nice.

Palm Trees

Palm trees are ideal for your pool area because they don't drop leaves, their fronds provide much-needed shade from the Florida sun and they bring that tropical feel to your pool landscape. Some of the medium sized varieties that are perfect for the pool area include the Kentias and Sugarcane palms.

Do keep in mind that Palms tend to have aggressive root systems so keeping them away from the underground pipework is imperative. 

Birds of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is a hardy plant that's able to endure a variety of weather conditions. They can grow to a substantial size, which makes it excellent at providing privacy and filling out space in your backyard. It's an ideal plant for a pool area as it doesn't drop leaves and can tolerate some splashing. Not to mention this plants beautiful broad leaves and the purple and orange flowers really give the pool area a tropical island feel!

Colorful Annuals

If you appreciate a pop of color in your pool landscape and you don't mind a bit of upkeep, then annuals in planting beds or containers is the way to go. Plan to change them out every four to eight months to keep things looking pretty and fresh. Good choices include pentas, marigolds, coleus, snapdragons, and dusty miller.

Bromeliads

Yet another great plant for your pool landscape that offers an exotic esthetic is the Bromeliad. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, or in areas with dappled shade. They also appreciate humidity, so they'll love hanging out around your pool as much as you. Bromeliads come in a variety of different colors, like bright pink, red, purple, and yellow. They also come in multiple sizes, from six inches to a few feet tall. 

Show them off as focal points by the pool or as decorative features just outside the lanai. 

A Few Pool Landscape Tips

Consider these pro tips for poolside perfection:

Remember, Plants Grow

If you have a pool screen and are considering a Palm tree, keep in mind they can outgrow the area in 5-10 years. Make sure you consider a larger plant's size at maturity before you plant. 

No Mess, No Stress

Some plants are sooo pretty, but sooo messy. While incorporating tropical plants is tempting with all their striking colors and exotic look, the leaves almost always end up in the pool. If you don't mind the upkeep, go for it. If it's going to stress you out, opt for less messy plants.

Mulch vs Stone

Pool owners love using rock as pool area ground cover, but it can get messy at times. Plan to periodically clean plant debris out of the rocks to keep your pool area nice and tidy. Mulch is preferred among other pool owners because if leaves fall, it can just be raked up from time to time and then you can always add new mulch. 

Pool Plants And Containers

Have your heart set on pretty annual flowers but worried about the mess? It's more convenient to get them in pots. Colorful pots of plants and flowers look great on a pool patio and the upkeep is much more convenient.