South Florida Plant Ideas for Around the Pool Deck

Areca Palms

• Areca palms are small, fast-growing palms with many shoots branching off a few main growth areas. Areca palms may be trimmed to reveal shoots that have widened and toughened with the years, or left in a more natural state for complete privacy. At full maturity, areca palms can reach upwards of 15 feet high and provide filtered shade. Plant at least 1 foot apart to allow for future growth. Areca palms hold up well to exposure to chlorinated water.

Pampas Grass

• Pampas is a tall grass with stalks or limbs referred to as tussocks. These tussocks can reach heights of about 9 feet and have soft, feathery fronds or flowers that are beige or off-white in color. Pampas grass propagates itself and can spread through a garden. This tall grass is native to South America. It grows in a wide range of environments, making it suitable for use around a pool and requires minimal, just a thorough cleaning of dead leaves at the base of the plant from time to time. Space the plants a few feet apart to give them ample space to grow.

Bougainvillea

• Bougainvillea plants around a pool deck area add splashes of color. With long, trailing vines, complete with sharp spikes, bougainvillea is ideal for training around a trellis. The most appealing part of bougainvillea is its wide range of colors ranging from magenta to pale white. Bougainvillea thrives in most climates and appreciates ample amounts of water and shade, although it tolerates direct sunlight. Keep the plant trimmed to avoid it overtaking other plants. Dwarf specimens of the plant are available.