A few well-chosen plants can completely transform your backyard pool area. But choose the wrong ones, and you’ll spend your weekends scooping leaves, unblocking filters, and battling algae.
In this guide, we share the best poolside plants that look great, thrive in Aussie conditions, and won’t dump leaves, pollen or sap into your water.
Why Plant Choice Matters Near Pools
Poolside landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics. The right plants:
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Reduce maintenance
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Keep pool water cleaner
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Protect paving and equipment from root damage
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Handle reflected heat and splash without stress
The wrong ones? They’ll clog filters, stain surfaces, and turn your pool into a leaf trap.
What to Look For in Poolside Plants
Choose plants that are:
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Low-shedding (minimal leaf and flower drop)
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Non-invasive (won’t crack paving or pipes)
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Heat-tolerant (handle reflected sun and warm paving)
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Resistant to chlorine or salt splash
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Low maintenance
Top Poolside Plants for Australian Backyards
1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
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Bold tropical look
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Withstands heat and sun
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Minimal leaf drop
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Grows well in pots or garden beds
Great for adding height and colour near pools.
2. Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
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Soft, feathery fronds
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Non-invasive roots
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Can handle part-shade or full sun
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Works well as a screen or border
Avoid other palms like Cocos, which drop heavy fruit and fronds.
3. Agave and Succulents
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Very low maintenance
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Tolerate full sun and dry soil
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No leaf drop or mess
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Stylish architectural look
Great for modern, low-water gardens. Watch for spiky tips in high-traffic areas.
4. Hibiscus
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Large, tropical blooms
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Attracts butterflies (not bees)
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Handles pruning and shaping
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Flower drop is minimal and easy to skim
Adds colour without causing major clean-up issues.
5. Liriope (Lilyturf)
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Grass-like clumping plant
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Purple flower spikes in summer
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No invasive roots or heavy shedding
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Works well as a border around pools or paving
Low-profile and perfect for layered planting.
6. Cordyline
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Striking coloured leaves (red, purple, green)
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Drought-tolerant once established
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Grows well in pots or garden beds
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Easy to trim and manage
Adds colour and contrast to green-heavy designs.
7. Westringia (Coastal Rosemary)
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Native and hardy
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Handles wind, sun and salt
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Tight-growing with pale purple flowers
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Very low maintenance
Ideal for coastal pools or native-themed gardens.
8. Heliconia
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Big tropical look
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Fast-growing and lush
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Flowers above water height — minimal drop
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Works well for privacy screening
Requires some space but delivers big impact.
9. Mondo Grass
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Small, hardy groundcover
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Perfect between pavers or under taller plants
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No flowers, fruit or leaf drop
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Resilient to foot traffic and splashing
Great for softening hardscape edges.
10. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
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Iconic Aussie native
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Low water use
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Non-invasive roots
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Bold colours without heavy shedding
Combine with gravel or mulch for a low-maintenance native border.
Plants to Avoid Around Pools
| Plant Name | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Jacaranda | Heavy leaf and flower drop |
| Eucalyptus | Oil can stain water, heavy shedding |
| Oleander | Toxic and drops messy flowers |
| Bamboo | Spreads aggressively, messy leaves |
| Bougainvillea | Thorns and messy blooms |
| Fig Trees | Invasive roots, sticky sap |
Pool-Friendly Landscaping Tips
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Use mulch or gravel instead of loose soil to prevent runoff
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Install edging or retaining borders to keep roots away from pool pipes
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Space plants 1–2 metres from pool edge to allow airflow and access
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Use pots for decorative plants you can easily move or swap
You’ll also want to keep leaves out of your skimmer and filters — grab a leaf net or automatic cleaner from our pool products section.
Conclusion
The best poolside plants look great and behave even better. They won’t drop leaves, clog filters or fight with your paving. With smart plant choices and simple landscaping tricks, you can enjoy a tropical escape in your own backyard — without constant maintenance.
Ready to keep your pool clear while enjoying a lush garden? Browse our full range of pool products — including leaf tools, skimmer socks and cleaners that complement any plant setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden Cane Palms, agaves, liriope, cordylines and mondo grass are all great options. They don’t drop leaves or flowers, have shallow root systems and handle heat well.
Yes. Most succulents are drought-resistant, don’t shed leaves, and handle full sun. Just avoid spiky varieties in high-traffic areas or around kids.
Splash-out won’t harm most hardy plants, but constant exposure can cause yellowing or burning. Choose plants with waxy leaves or place sensitive species further from the water’s edge.
Avoid jacarandas, eucalyptus, figs, oleanders and bamboo. They either drop a lot of debris, have invasive roots, or are toxic if leaves fall into the water.
Absolutely. Potted plants let you reposition or rotate them as needed. Use sturdy pots with good drainage and group in clusters for visual impact.
Yes. Natives like kangaroo paw, westringia and lomandra are hardy, low-mess and well suited to Australian climates — great for eco-conscious designs.
Choose low-drop plants, keep trees trimmed, and use a pool cover or skimmer sock. A robotic cleaner or suction cleaner also helps manage debris easily.
It’s best to leave 1–2 metres between plants and pool edge. This protects paving and pipework, allows airflow, and makes maintenance easier.
Yes. A cover blocks leaves, flowers, pollen and dust from entering your water. It also helps reduce chemical loss and evaporation. See options in our [pool products](https://www.pumpandpoolpeople.com.au/) range.
Shop leaf nets, skimmer socks, robotic cleaners and more in our [pool products](https://www.pumpandpoolpeople.com.au/) collection — designed to make pool maintenance easy, even with garden landscaping nearby.