Plants That Go Best With A Fibreglass Swimming Pool
When designing the perfect backyard oasis, a fibreglass swimming pool is a smart and stylish choice. Not only are these pools low maintenance and durable, but they also offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. However, one key consideration when designing your pool area is the surrounding landscape, especially the plants. The right combination of greenery can elevate the space, complement the pool’s design, and create a serene, inviting atmosphere.
1. Tropical Plants for a Lush, Exotic Feel
For those dreaming of a luxurious, tropical paradise, fibreglass pools provide the ideal canvas. Tropical plants thrive in Sydney’s climate, adding vibrancy, texture, and a splash of colour around your pool. Some excellent choices include:
- Palms: Palms are iconic tropical plants that add height and drama to any poolside. Varieties like the Kentia Palm, Lady Palm, and Foxtail Palm are perfect for pool areas, offering a natural, elegant look.
- Bird of Paradise: With its striking orange and blue flowers, the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a bold and beautiful choice. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent fit for poolside areas that receive plenty of sunlight.
- Frangipanis: Known for their fragrant, beautiful flowers, frangipanis (Plumeria) are a fantastic option for creating a tropical vibe around your fibreglass pool.
2. Coastal Plants for a Relaxed, Beachside Ambience
For a more relaxed and breezy vibe, coastal plants are a perfect choice. These plants often have a rugged, hardy nature and can withstand the elements of poolside living, including saltwater, sun, and wind. Here are some options that pair beautifully with a fibreglass swimming pool:
- Agapanthus: Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) is a versatile, hardy plant that flourishes in coastal areas. It produces large clusters of blue or white flowers in the summer, adding a soft, breezy touch to the poolside. Agapanthus thrives in full sun, making it perfect for the areas surrounding your fibreglass pool.
- Liriope: Liriope (Liriope muscari), also known as Monkey Grass, is a low-growing, grass-like plant with purple flower spikes that bloom in late summer. This plant is ideal for edging the pool area, as it creates a dense groundcover that is both attractive and practical. Liriope can handle both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile option for poolside planting.
- Beach Daisy: The Beach Daisy (Osteospermum) is an excellent choice for a coastal-themed pool area. It thrives in full sun, offering colourful blooms that range from purple and pink to white and yellow.
3. Modern, Minimalist Plants for a Contemporary Look
If you’re after a more modern, minimalist poolside garden, go for plants that offer clean lines and a structured appearance. These plants are typically low-maintenance and visually appealing, making them a great choice for contemporary pool areas.
- Cacti and Succulents: For a striking, modern look, consider incorporating cacti and succulents around your fibreglass pool. Succulents such as Agave, Aloe Vera, and Echeveria add a unique, sculptural element to the landscape, while cacti like Barrel Cactus and Golden Torch provide texture and interest.
- Bamboo: Bamboo (Bambusa) is another excellent choice for a contemporary pool area. It offers a tall, elegant aesthetic and grows quickly, forming a privacy screen if desired. However, be mindful of the species you choose, as some types of bamboo can be invasive. Consider clumping varieties like Bambusa textilis for a more controlled growth pattern.
- Native Grasses: Australian native grasses such as Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) and Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock Grass) provide a natural yet contemporary look. These plants are hardy, drought-tolerant, and add a soft, textured contrast to the sleek surface of the fibreglass pool.
4. Shade-Loving Plants for Poolside Comfort
If your fibreglass pool is situated in a sunnier part of your garden, providing some shade around the pool can make the area more comfortable. Fortunately, there are several plants that thrive in the shade and can add beauty to your poolside environment.
- Ferns: Ferns such as Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern) and Davallia fejeensis (Rabbit Foot Fern) are perfect for shaded pool areas. Their lush, feathery foliage creates a cool, green atmosphere, adding a sense of tranquility to the pool area.
- Clivias: Clivias (Clivia miniata) are an ideal choice for shaded spots. Their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in orange or yellow, add a burst of colour to the darker corners of your pool area. Clivias thrive in low light and are well-suited to the Sydney climate.
- Hostas: Known for their broad, lush leaves, Hostas are great for adding texture to shaded areas around your fibreglass pool.
5. Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy Poolside Care
For busy homeowners who want a beautiful pool area without the hassle of constant maintenance, low-maintenance plants are essential. Here are some hardy, low-care plants that will thrive around your fibreglass pool with minimal attention:
- Lavender: Lavender (Lavandula) is an excellent choice for poolside planting. It not only adds beautiful purple flowers and a delightful fragrance but is also drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Lavender attracts bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your pool area.
- Bougainvillea: Bougainvillea is a vigorous, low-maintenance climber that thrives in full sun. With its vibrant, papery bracts in shades of purple, pink, red, and white, Bougainvillea adds a splash of colour and a touch of Mediterranean flair to your poolside.
- Australian Bottlebrush: The Callistemon or Australian Bottlebrush is another hardy, low-maintenance plant that does well in coastal environments. Its bright red, brush-like flowers will attract birds to your garden while adding a bold contrast against the cool tones of your fibreglass pool.
Conclusion
When designing the perfect poolside retreat, selecting the right plants to accompany your fibreglass swimming pool can transform the space into a lush, inviting oasis. Whether you’re drawn to tropical splendour, coastal relaxation, a modern minimalist garden, or a serene shaded retreat, there are plenty of plants to choose from. By carefully considering your pool’s surroundings and the local climate, you can ensure that your plants thrive and complement your fibreglass pool’s beauty for years to come.
Contact Barrier Reef Pools Sydney South today for a consultation or to receive a free quote on your new fibreglass pool installation!
