A thoughtfully landscaped pool area has the power to transform your holiday home into a true resort-style escape – without adding complexity to upkeep. The key is selecting plants that are compliant, look stunning, stand up to the elements and won’t leave you constantly clearing debris from the water.
In this article, we’re sharing practical tips for choosing greenery that thrives in poolside conditions and enhances the guest experience from the moment they step outside.
Low-Maintenance Choices
Time by the pool should be spent swimming and relaxing – not clearing out the filter every time.
When planning your garden beds look for plants that:
• Grow slowly and hold their form well
• Won’t constantly shed leaves or flowers into the water
• Stay neat even when unattended between guest turnovers
Some holiday home friendly favourites include:
• Kentia palms for elegant, fuss-free foliage
• Hibiscus, olives, banksias and cordylines for colour and structure
• Compact hedging options like viburnum, pittosporum and euonymus
If your pool area is narrow, choose upright plants that won’t sprawl toward the water. And be mindful of aggressive root systems – varieties like monstera, umbrella tree and figs can lift paving or damage pool foundations over time.
Poolside Safety Matters
Holidays mean playtime – especially for kids. The garden around your pool should feel welcoming, not risky.
Smart safety-minded rules:
• Avoid sharp, spiky or rigid plants such as yucca, sago palm or cacti
• Steer clear of species known for irritating or toxic sap like oleander and euphorbia
If you love these more dramatic specimens, position them well away from splash zones and main pathways – safely contained within larger garden beds.
Support Safe Pool Fencing
Pool fencing needs to remain climb-proof to comply with safety requirements.
When choosing plants near fence lines:
• Avoid sturdy trunks or branch structures that could give kids a step up
• Choose soft-stemmed shrubs, ornamental grasses or slender plants that create greenery without becoming a ladder
This simple consideration protects guests and ensures compliance is never in question.
Choose Tough Plants That Can Handle a Splash
Even with regular care, rain mixed with salt or chlorine will occasionally find its way into surrounding garden beds. Fortunately, many coastal and hardy species thrive in these conditions.
Great options for a pool environment include:
• Frangipani
• Coastal rosemary (Westringia)
• Liriope and dianella
• Agave
• New Zealand flax
• Carissa (e.g. ‘Desert Star’)
• Banksias
These plants not only cope with splashes – but they also often look their best bathed in sun beside the water.
Tip: Keep the soil edge at least a metre from the pool where you can. Raised planters or discreet drainage behind paving also help protect soil health over time.
Final Thoughts
The right planting choices can instantly lift the look and feel of your outdoor space, turning the pool into a highlight guests can admire and enjoy throughout their stay. With a little planning, your garden will stay beautifully low-maintenance, season after season.
And to help you get started, we’ve created a simple one-page checklist you can download and use when refreshing your poolside planting plan – ensuring your outdoor oasis remains both stylish and easy to care for.
👉 Download the Poolside Planting Checklist
At Kahuana we’re always here to help you create a home that welcomes every moment of the holiday experience, so, if you’d like personalised recommendations for your garden layout, fencing compliance or plant palette, our team would love to support you.
