List of Full Sun Plants for a Pool Area

Trees

• Colorado blue spruce and red cedar reduce risk of leaf-drop, though older specimens may shed a few needles. Acacias tolerate many different soil conditions and require only infrequent watering. Slow-growing palms like the lady palm may also be good choices.

Shrubs

• Dwarf Alberta spruce is a slow-growing, low-maintenance shrub that works well near pools. The mugo pine is more strictly a tree—it can grow up to 30 feet tall—but it tolerates trimming well. Gold and blue star junipers are also good choices. They may require regular trimming to keep them looking attractive. Bird of paradise plants are good for pools in dry areas, because they need very little watering and also provide attractive flowers. Shrubs may be planted in front of trees, or used along the edges of your landscaping.

Ornamentals

• Agave and aloe are excellent accent plants for dry climates, whereas caladiums work well in wetter areas. Penstemons are full-sun plants in non-desert areas and are drought-tolerant, with beautiful flowers that attract hummingbirds. Salvia, or sage, species are also a pleasant choice near the pool. Ornamental grasses and flowering plants add a dash of color to the pool area.

Ground Covers

• Ground-cover plants are fast-spreading but never get tall; most reach a height of a only few inches. They can be used to cover large areas of bare ground or placed in front of taller plants to add interest. Blue Pacific juniper produces a spreading, blue-green ground cover that never loses leaves. Primroses, including evening primrose and Mexican primrose, provide showy flowers and require little water. The verbenas also bloom attractively and prefer sunny places.