10 of the Best Plants for Pool Landscaping in Ontario

Having a swimming pool in your backyard is like having a little private island to escape to at your convenience. It’s the perfect place to escape everyday stressors and offers a chance to spend time with friends and family while throwing pool parties and backyard barbecues.

While a pool just on its own offers a delightful refuge, dedicating some time to your backyard landscaping is the best way to turn your backyard pool into the perfect private oasis. If you’re not sure where to begin, then Solda Pools has you covered.

Not only are we the best swimming pool contractors in Toronto who are experts at installing your pool, but with our landscaping know-how, we’re the perfect team for helping you choose the kind of plants that best complement your pool (while also keeping away the bugs).

In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 of the best plants for pool landscaping in Ontario. These plants will enhance your swimming pool’s appearance and take your breath away.

1. Sedums

If you want to add some striking greenery to the landscaping by your pool, then consider succulents or sedums. There are so many varieties of these sturdy, low-maintenance plants to choose from, and you’re guaranteed to find a type that perfectly complements your backyard landscaping.

If you want to add smaller plants to an empty area around your pool, consider a low-growing sedum (also known as stonecrop) such as Purple Emperor. These plants are perfect for providing ground cover. This type of sedum is named for its purple-pink flowers, which will add a vibrant burst of colour to your poolside garden.

2. Emerald Green Arborvitae

These evergreen shrubs are a fantastic way to ensure you and your guests have privacy as you lounge by the pool. Their dense foliage is ideal for keeping you hidden away from nosy neighbours. Once fully grown, you can expect these shrubs to measure around 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide!

The Emerald Green Arborvitae is also an ideal shrub if you prefer to keep low-maintenance landscaping. They require minimal effort to maintain and thrive, even without an expert green thumb.

3. Little Spire Russian Sage

You’ll be surprised to discover how hardy the Little Spire Russian Sage is for a plant with such dainty-looking spikes and pretty flowers. Resistant to heat, pests, and drought, this flowering shrub thrives in various terrains and soil types.

While these plants tend to shed their flowers, making them a hassle if planted right next to your pool, they’re perfect for bordering a nearby garden or deck. Moreover, you’ll love lounging in the sun and enjoying the fresh sage-like scent.

4. Adam’s Needle Yucca

Adam’s Needle Yucca is a perennial with long, spiky foliage (which is where it takes its name from). This eye-catching plant is part of the succulent family and makes an attractive addition to any poolside landscaping.

Add Adam’s Needle Yucca to your garden or yard for a sturdy, unique plant that requires little effort to flourish.

5. Japanese maples

Originating from Korea and Japan, Japanese maples are eye-grabbing if you’re into feng-shui or zen landscaping. They can be planted as shrubs and trees that grow up to 20 feet.

If you’re looking for something unique, these trees are great additions to the pool area because they do not attract insects.

6. False Cypress

If you prefer to incorporate an evergreen forest in your pool area, a False Cypress is the decorative tree for the job. These plants are called “golden mops,” nicknamed for their shaggy, mop-like foliage. They range from 2 to 25 feet in height, and can add a lot of texture around your poolside without taking up much space.

Along with their size, the dense leaves of a False Cypress tree are great for adding privacy to open areas.

7. Ivy

If you want a plant that will survive winter weather and still look suitable for pool season, ivy is a great, long-lasting plant. The only downfall about having ivy in your pool landscaping is that it grows fast, so you must trim it frequently if it starts to overshadow the water in your pool or cover too much of your poolside fence. 

While it requires maintenance, ivy adds a classic grandeur to any area, making it worth your time.

8. Hostas

Hosta is one of the most popular perennials among gardeners. It is known for its lush, leafy foliage. While its broad, abundant leaves might make the hosta look like it comes from the tropics, the plant is sturdy enough to flourish in several climates and soil types. 

Easy to care for and guaranteed to liven up your poolside, the hosta is one must-have perennial.

9. Ornamental grasses

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants that still provide density and movement around your pool area, ornamental grasses like zebra are available in different colours. 

Ornamental grasses can be combined with other plants and are suitable for creating privacy around your pool. They are bushy and stand up sternly without bending. 

10. Shrubs

Shrubs such as hydrangeas are great to mix with ivy as they are suitable for areas near the pool’s edges, and fill with thick clusters of blue and pink flowers from summer to fall. 

It’s best to have some shrubs as part of your pool landscape because they grow wide and tall to create privacy around your pool area.

Tips to Choose the Best Plants Around Pool Landscaping

Thoughtfully planned landscaping around an outdoor pool can create the perfect atmosphere for families and guests. However, just because you like a particular plant, shrub, or flower, it doesn’t mean it will work or look great in your landscaping, nor will it thrive.

When selecting plants, consider incorporating the following:

• Chlorine-resistant plants: To protect your plants against accidental splashes, allow one meter between your plants (including the grass) and your pool. 
• Use evergreens: Hardy perennials and evergreens work well in pool areas and can save time as they are low-maintenance. They do not require homeowners to remove organic waste from their water, and they prevent clogs in your filtration system. 
• Incorporate insect-repelling plants: Swarming insects take the enjoyment out of being outdoors. The best way to combat this is to divert the insects’ attention. Plant flower beds away from your pool or use water sources like ponds or fountains in order to enjoy a trouble-free swim.
• Small root systems work best: Some plants have roots that can penetrate pool walls. Familiarize yourself with these root systems to select the best items. Avoid planting large trees close to the pool for maximum sunlight. Shrubs and trees with spherical or vertical roots work best for the pool area.
• Select plants that provide privacy without sacrificing security: To protect privacy, choose shrubs, hedges, and view blockers. However, ensure your pool area is well-lit and adequately monitored, as even enclosed areas can be dangerous.

These tips ensure that pool users are free from pests, the atmosphere is pleasing and relaxing, the pool remains in good condition, and privacy is provided while entertaining guests.

The Benefits of Having Plants Around Pools

There are many advantages to surrounding your pool with plants. These include the following:

1. Providing a pleasing atmosphere: Plants with lush green foliage offer an inviting contrast to any shimmering blue pool. 
2. Promotes relaxation: Flowering plants, lush greenery, and trees foster relaxation when people are around a pool or walk through your backyard. Pool areas decrease stress when the right foliage is selected and can define the backyard’s atmosphere.
3. Privacy: People want privacy when enjoying their backyard, and plants can provide the privacy needed for relaxing in your pool. When incorporating the right plants, surrounding neighbours cannot see into the pool area.
4. Increased property value: Plants create a sense of beauty, and obtaining the right foliage can increase your home’s value.
5. Can keep your outdoor pool clean: Plants can help keep the pool area clean. They repel insects, catch leaves, and create a wall preventing debris from entering the pool.

Contact Solda Pools for Pool Installation in Toronto

Filling your backyard with gorgeous plants and shrubbery is one of the best ways to create a lush, inviting retreat right in the privacy of your backyard. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped out into a luxury vacation resort whenever you open your backdoor. We can help you consider how landscaping can enhance your poolside views to create a private paradise.

At Solda Pools, we are swimming pool contractors serving Toronto and the GTA with the installation of in-ground pools and spas. For more information on what types of plants you should get with your pool installation, call us for a free consultation at 289-201-2487 or contact us here.