When it comes to gardening around a pool or water feature, it’s important to know what plants to look for to make sure everything goes swimmingly. For example, some plants may become damaged from a saltwater pool or have difficulty being in the full sun. By carefully choosing the plants you place in your landscaping, you can ensure a summer of fun and easy-going greenery.

One of the easiest ways to start is to decide what your goals are for your garden. Are you looking for additional privacy? Wanting to keep out bugs? It’s also important to consider your climate. In Missouri, we have four distinct seasons marked by cold winters and hot summers. In addition to this, the area is prone to large thunderstorms and prolonged periods of drought. This can make it difficult to decide what plants will thrive.

Private Property

If you’re looking to add some additional privacy to your pool area, shrubs or ornamental grasses are great options! Hydrangeas are an example of a shrub that will add a pop of color and an additional barrier around the pool.

Convenience is Key

If convenience is what’s important to you, succulents are a great low-stress option. These plants are also perfect for adding a touch of tropical ambience. Succulents such as crassula, yucca, aeonium and sedum are good options because of their ability to survive in full sun and poor soil. Something to keep in mind is to avoid placing succulents with spines or needles too close to the pool or where swimmers enter or exit.

Pinch of Salt

If your pool is a saltwater pool, you might want to consider plants that are able to withstand occasionally being sprayed with saltwater. Salt-tolerant plants include holly, daylilies or blanket flowers. Holly does great in full sun and blanket flowers are an easy addition to diversify gardens.

Bug Out

Wanting to keep bugs away? Plants like citronella, basil or geraniums are known for keeping bad bugs away from your outdoor spaces.

Overall, it’s important to know what your desired outcome is when looking for poolside plants. With some additional adjustments like switching mulch out for rock or avoiding plants with invasive roots, you’ll be ready to create your dream outdoor getaway.

Beat the Heat

By Hanna Kolaks, Missouri Botanical Garden

The number one thing to keep in mind when selecting plants for your pond or pool area is to be realistic about the care you will provide the plants. Ensure the light requirements for each plant match what your space is and the water needs are similar to what you will actually provide. Plants that are in pots will typically need more water than plants that are planted in the ground, using plastic pots can help retain moisture better than clay pots.

Potted tropical plants for full sun, medium moisture that are salt-tolerant:

• Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)

• Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

• European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

• Plumeria (Plumeria spp.)

• Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia spp.)

Full sun, medium-high moisture, salt-tolerant perennial plants (to be planted in the ground)

•  Karl Foerster grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora "Karl Foerster")

• Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

• Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)