best plants for swimming pool landscaping in Massachusetts

Not every plant should be planted near a swimming pool. Some plants will drop leaves or flowers during pool season and clog the filter. Some plants will die from too much sun exposure. And some plants will drop fruit which can attract unwanted animals or stain the pool surrounding.

For the best plants for your poolscape, think about these four factors;

Ornamental grasses are a great fit with poolscapes. They provide interesting textures and are easy to grow. Two suggestions are Fountain Grass and Maiden Grass.

Another texture-rich option for a tropical feel is the Hardy Banana. The hardy banana tree is actually an herbaceous perennial. It can grow in Zone 5 but probably won’t fruit.

To help avoid mulch in your pool, consider choosing plants that will spread and cover the ground. Hostas are a classic that offers both cover and texture. They are easy to grow and come in a large variety of leaf shapes and colors.

Stonecrop is actually a succulent that grows well in Zone 5. They are perfect for around rocks, along borders, or between plants.

You can also consider grasses that grow low in tight clumps. Dwarf Blue Fescue is a beautiful grass that can be planted as a border.

To bring in some color, think of flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Daylilies are a great example. The blooms are colorful and they bloom for a month or more.

Yarrow is a great choice for poolscapes. It comes in yellow, red, or pink, is pest resistant, and attracts butterflies.

If you’d like to mix in planters with your in-ground garden, consider Patio Roses. The planter itself can add color and texture to your space too.

A beautiful Rose Of Sharon comes in a variety of colors and can grow quite tall. These can be good to bring some height as well as color to your poolscape.

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows in a narrow pyramid shape that can go as high as 15 feet. They make a great privacy screen between your pool and surrounding yards.

For a privacy plant that is also colorful and pleasant to smell, check out Honeysuckle. They grow well along a fence or trellis and provide beautiful yellow to red flowers.

Another colorful plant that will provide some privacy is the Limelight Hydrangea. The flowers start off lime green and slowly turn pink in the fall. These bushes will grow to a height of six feet and do well as a border or backdrop for other plants.