Pool Landscaping Plants: 20 Stunning Options For Your Pool Surrounds

Every pool owner knows it’s not just the temperature of the water or the positioning of the poolside lounges that can make or break your pool.

The right landscaping is crucial to fully enjoy your time in the water.

Whether it’s creating a natural retaining wall to block noise, wind, or sight lines. Or, low-maintenance plants that can handle a splash or two (and let you enjoy your weekend in peace). The right plants are crucial.

But with so many options available, what’s the best plant for your pool landscape?

We’re going to answer that question right now with 20 of the most popular, eye-catching, durable and low-maintenance choices.

Read on as we delve into some of the best pool landscaping plants in Sydney and offer you inspiration and guidance to create a stunning and inviting poolside retreat that embraces the natural beauty of this unique city.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of tropical paradise, create a low-maintenance landscape, or enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your pool area, choosing the right plants is key to achieving your desired look and ambience.

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Frangipani trees are synonymous with tropical paradise. With their fragrant, colourful blossoms and lush, green foliage, they add a touch of the exotic to any poolside landscape. These hardy trees thrive in Sydney’s warm climate and can withstand periods of drought. Plant them in well-draining soil, and they’ll reward you with their stunning flowers throughout the summer months.

Another iconic tropical plant, the Bird of Paradise, is a fantastic choice for poolside landscaping. Its large, banana-like leaves and unique orange and blue flowers make a bold statement. These plants are well-suited to Sydney’s climate and can withstand both sun and partial shade. Placing them near the pool can create a striking focal point that captures attention.

For those looking for a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant option, agaves are an excellent choice. These succulent plants require minimal care and come in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile for landscaping around your pool. Their striking rosette form and spiky leaves add a modern and sculptural element to the design.

If you’re aiming for vibrant bursts of colour, consider planting bougainvillaea. These hardy climbers produce stunning, papery bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. Bougainvillaea thrives in Sydney’s warm climate and can be trained to climb trellises, pergolas, or walls, providing natural shade and a picturesque backdrop for your pool.

For a more native and naturalistic poolside landscape, consider planting Australian native grasses like Lomandra or Dianella. These grasses are low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and perfectly adapted to Sydney’s climate. They provide a relaxed, coastal feel and can complement a variety of pool styles.

For a touch of fragrance and a pop of colour, lavender is an excellent choice. These aromatic plants thrive in Sydney’s climate and are known for their soothing scent. Plant them in sunny spots around your pool area to enjoy their lovely aroma and the sight of bees and butterflies that are attracted to their blooms.

Another native Australian plant that works well in Sydney’s poolside landscaping is the Kangaroo Paw. Its unique tubular flowers, resembling kangaroo paws, come in various colours, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to your outdoor space. These plants are drought-resistant and can handle the harsh sun.

To achieve a tropical resort ambience, you can’t go wrong with palm trees. Varieties like the Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and the Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) are popular choices in Sydney. Their graceful fronds and tall trunks create a lush and inviting atmosphere by the pool.

Succulents come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them versatile for poolside landscaping. Whether you prefer the rosettes of Echeveria, the spiky agaves, or the trailing sedums, succulents can add a modern and low-maintenance touch to your pool area.

Hibiscus plants are renowned for their large, vibrant flowers that can instantly transport you to a tropical paradise. These shrubs thrive in Sydney’s climate and can be used as hedges or individual specimens around your pool, providing a burst of colour and a touch of exotic beauty.

Grevilleas are another excellent choice for poolside landscaping in Sydney. These native Australian shrubs produce stunning, spider-like flowers in various colours, including red, pink, and yellow. They are drought-tolerant, attract native birds and pollinators, and require minimal maintenance. Planting Grevilleas around your pool can create a vibrant and wildlife-friendly environment.

Citrus trees, such as lemon, lime, and mandarin, not only provide delicious fruits but also add a refreshing aroma to your poolside area. These trees thrive in Sydney’s climate and can be planted in large pots or directly in the ground. Their evergreen foliage and fragrant blossoms can enhance the overall ambience of your outdoor space.

Murraya, also known as mock orange or orange jasmine, is a versatile evergreen shrub that produces fragrant white flowers. This plant is perfect for creating privacy screens or hedges around your pool, offering both visual and aromatic appeal. It’s well-suited to Sydney’s climate and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Blue Plumbago is a charming climber with delicate blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. It can be trained to grow along fences or trellises around your pool, adding a touch of softness and colour. This plant thrives in full sun and is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners.

Rosemary is a versatile herb that can double as a fragrant and attractive poolside plant. It is drought-resistant and thrives in Sydney’s climate. Planting rosemary near your pool not only provides a pleasant fragrance but also offers fresh herbs for cooking. You can shape it into hedges or let it grow naturally.

For a more natural and native look, consider incorporating Kangaroo Grass into your poolside landscape. This native grass species is both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. It can sway gracefully in the breeze and attract wildlife, contributing to the overall ecosystem of your outdoor space.

If you’re looking to add ground cover that is not only attractive but also low-maintenance, sweet alyssum is an excellent choice. This annual plant produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. It’s perfect for filling in gaps between pavers or bordering garden beds around your pool.

For a touch of elegance and a splash of colour, Japanese maples can be a stunning addition to your poolside landscape. These small trees or shrubs come in various varieties, each offering unique leaf shapes and colours, from vibrant reds to soft greens. They thrive in Sydney’s climate and can be planted in large pots or as focal points in your garden.

Bottlebrush plants are known for their distinctive, brush-like flower spikes, which come in various colours, including red, pink, and yellow. These native Australian shrubs attract nectar-feeding birds and can be pruned to maintain a neat shape. Planted strategically around your pool area, they add colour, wildlife, and a touch of native beauty.

Sweet Viburnum is an evergreen shrub that offers lush, dense foliage and small, fragrant white flowers. It is well-suited to creating privacy screens or hedges around your pool area. This plant can thrive in full sun to partial shade and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for many poolside landscapes.

Sydney’s climate offers a wide array of options for poolside landscaping, allowing you to create a stunning and inviting outdoor space.

By carefully selecting the right combination of plants, considering their maintenance requirements, and planning for proper soil and irrigation, you can transform your pool area into a picturesque retreat that reflects the natural beauty of Sydney’s landscape.

Whether you prefer a tropical paradise, a native oasis, or a modern design, the possibilities are endless, and the results will be a poolside paradise you can enjoy year-round.

Make a Splash This Summer with 10 Perfect Pool Landscaping Ideas

Landscaping is an opportunity to extend your living space where space is a commodity here in Sydney. At Manna Landscapes, we have over 25 years of experience creating innovative and practical spaces for homeowners, no matter how big or small their space is.

We’re more than just landscapers; we’re designers dedicated to optimising every space for design aesthetics and functionality. Manna Landscapes can also work within any size budget and features a transparent pricing model so you’ll never be surprised by hidden costs.

We look forward to helping transform your outdoor spaces. To get started, call us on 0415 837 699 or request a free quote and design consultation online.