Swimming pools present specific challenges for nearby plantings. They should provide a level of shade, but not too much. They shouldn’t overhang the pool or drop leaves and blossoms in the water. They must be low maintenance and care, while being able to withstand occasionally being splashed by pool water, and have root systems that aren’t detrimental to the pool.
Areca Palm
A palm with a clumping growth habit, it adds interest to the poolscape with golden yellow trunks and feathery fronds. It typically grows about 20 ft. tall and the canopy will be about 10 ft. wide. They need well-drained soil and grow in full sun to partial shade. It’s a relatively slow grower.
Bamboo Palm
Flowing, feathery fronds provide a truly tropical feel around any pool environment. The drawback to bamboo is that it can be invasive, making this a perfect pool plant for growing in containers. It grows from 4 to 12 ft. tall, depending on the size of the container, and about 3 ft. across. It prefers partial shade and makes a good privacy screen.
Bird of Paradise
Nothing says a tropical environment like bird of paradise. Choose the orange variety with blue and orange blossoms or the white variety that sports blue and white blooms. The white variety is best planted in larger yards as it can grow 30 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide, and have leaves up to 18 in. long. The orange variety grows 3 to 5 ft. tall and can be planted in a container if desired. They need full sun to partial shade.
Croton
The croton brings striking foliage to the pool environment with a mix of red, green, yellow, orange and burgundy. They also sport a variety of leaf shapes, depending on the variety. They grow 3 to 8 ft. tall and have a similar spread. A fairly slow grower, they prefer full sun and the amount of light received will dictate the vibrancy of the colors.
RCH Landscaping is a full-service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians has an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.
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