Planning to give your pool area a lush, resort-like makeover?
Adding planters around the pool can instantly transform a plain deck into a tropical oasis.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 stylish poolside plant ideas to turn your backyard into a vacation-worthy retreat.
These ideas are geared towards homeowners and DIY enthusiasts – no professional landscaping crew needed.
From tropical palms to low-maintenance succulents, we’ll explore the best plants for poolside planters and how to use them in outdoor planters for your backyard!
10 Poolside Planter Ideas for a Resort-Style Backyard
Here are 10 inspiring poolside planter ideas to help you achieve that resort-worthy backyard look, no matter your style or level of green-thumb expertise.
1. Tropical Palm Planters for a Lush Vibe
Nothing says “resort” like swaying palm trees. Potted palms around your pool instantly create a tropical paradise feel.
Consider varieties like areca palms, pygmy date palms, or windmill palms in large planters. They add height, shade, and that fun vacation vibe – you’ll feel like you’re at a beachside hotel.
Palms in planters also tend to be fairly low-mess, dropping only the occasional frond. Using substantial containers (think ceramic urns or big fiberglass pots) helps anchor the palms and makes a stylish statement.
Arrange a couple of palm planters near lounge chairs or at pool corners to frame your oasis. For a classic look, try tall terracotta or concrete planters that can handle a palm’s weight and won’t tip over.
With their bold foliage, palms are a poolside planters staple that brings instant island charm to your backyard. Just be sure to choose palm species suited to your climate (or be ready to roll them into a sheltered spot in winter if it freezes).
Regular watering and the occasional fertilizer will keep your potted palms thriving all summer long.
2. Succulent & Cactus Oasis (Easy and Low-Maintenance)
If you’re aiming for low-maintenance and modern, create a desert-chic poolside planter with succulents and cacti.
These hardy plants thrive in full sun and heat, making them perfect for pool areas that get baking sunshine.
Even better, cactuses and succulents (like agave, yucca, and echeveria) look amazing year-round with hardly any care, produce practically no mess, and tolerate the occasional splash of chlorinated pool water.
For the planters, go with sleek concrete or stone planters to complement the sculptural shapes of succulents – the combination gives a stylish, modern vibe.
You can plant a statement agave or barrel cactus in a standalone pot as a focal point, or group a variety of smaller succulents together in a wide, shallow bowl for a mini desert garden.
Succulents come in many colors and forms, so mix some spiky aloes with rosette-shaped sedums or trailing string of pearls for texture.
One idea: line up a series of square concrete planters with different succulent arrangements along the pool’s edge for a contemporary border.
These plants love dry conditions, so they actually prefer you don’t fuss over them too much – perfect for a busy homeowner.
Just ensure the planters have good drainage (succulents hate wet feet), then sit back and enjoy your stress-free, cactus-cool poolside oasis.
3. Ornamental Grasses in Tall Planters (Private Paradise)
For a resort-style backyard, privacy and movement are key – and ornamental grasses deliver both.
Tall grasses placed in planters around your pool can form a soft, swaying privacy screen that looks natural and elegant.
Varieties like miscanthus, pampas grass, fountain grass, or blue fescue can thrive in containers and add a breezy beach resort vibe.
They’re also generally low-maintenance and tend to be less messy than many other poolside plants that might drop lots of leaves or petals into the pool.
To get the look, use tall, narrow planters or rectangular planter boxes along the pool’s perimeter or by a fence. The height of the planters elevates the grasses, giving you an instant green wall that dances with every wind gust.
Beyond privacy, grasses introduce lovely texture and sound – the rustling of blades is super relaxing.
Pro tip: plant dwarf pampas or zebra grass in a pair of matching modern planters to flank the corners of your pool, creating a secluded cove.
Most ornamental grasses love sun and are drought-tolerant once established, so they won’t demand constant care. Come fall, many grasses develop feathery plumes for added visual interest.
If you want year-round greenery, choose an evergreen grass or mix in a few potted bamboo (opt for clumping bamboo in containers to prevent invasive spread).
Either way, you’ll get that resort-style privacy and beauty, without building any permanent screens or hedges.
4. Flowering Tropicals in Vibrant Pots (Pop of Color)
Resorts are known for their brilliant blooms, so bring on the color with flowering tropical plants in planters.
Think hibiscus, bird of paradise, bougainvillea, or mandevilla vines – these stunners will turn your pool deck into a lush, exotic escape.
For example, bird of paradise offers bold, architectural leaves and striking orange-and-blue flowers that give a lush, resort-style feel without creating much mess.
Likewise, hibiscus shrubs produce continuous bright blooms (red, yellow, pink, orange) that attract butterflies and look tropical, all without being messy.
Place these beauties in colorful ceramic pots or glazed planters to amplify the vibe – deep blues, terracotta oranges, or turquoise planters can complement the pool water and floral hues.
You might dot a couple of large ceramic pots with hibiscus along the poolside, or set a flowering bougainvillea (famous for its vibrant magenta or purple bracts) climbing up a trellis in a planter for a dramatic backdrop.
Flowering tropicals typically love sun and warmth, but do remember they’ll need regular watering in hot weather (consider grouping thirstier flowering plants together or even using a self-watering planter, which we cover below).
With the right planters, you can even move some of these indoors or to a greenhouse during winter if you’re in a cooler climate, since many tropicals are perennial in warm zones but annuals elsewhere.
The effort is worth it – a few lush blooming planters will make your pool area burst with color and that carefree island energy.
5. Mediterranean Herb Garden in Terracotta
For an elegant yet easy-care poolside display, try a Mediterranean twist: planters filled with herbs and drought-tolerant shrubs.
Imagine the scent of lavender, rosemary, or sage wafting around as you lounge by the pool – it’s like a spa in your backyard!
Herbs like lavender not only provide a lovely fragrance but also silver-green foliage that looks great next to water.
Plant them in classic terracotta pots or urns to complete the Mediterranean feel; the earthy clay containers also help keep roots cool.
You can arrange a cluster of herb planters near your seating area so that brushing against them releases their aroma (bonus: herbs like rosemary can even help deter mosquitoes).
Along with herbs, you might include ornamental oregano, thyme, or even a dwarf olive tree in a pot for authenticity.
These plants thrive in sunny, dry conditions, so they’re well-suited to poolside microclimates. They also tend to be compact and easy to trim, meaning low maintenance.
A mix of heights works nicely: for example, a tall potted rosemary or bay laurel in the back, medium lavender bushes in the middle, and trailing thyme or ivy geraniums spilling over the front of the pot.
Terracotta planters are porous, which is great for herbs, but just ensure you water consistently (they can dry out faster in the heat).
Overall, this idea adds a soothing, resort-like ambiance – you get visual beauty plus the therapeutic scents of a Mediterranean getaway right by your pool.
6. Natural Wooden Planter Boxes (Rustic Resort Charm)
If you prefer a more natural or rustic look, wooden planter boxes around the pool can be both functional and beautiful.
Sturdy wood planters (for example, cedar or teak planter boxes) bring warmth to the design and blend nicely with decking or stone.
Cedar is especially popular for outdoor planters because it’s naturally rot-resistant and weather-tolerant – in fact, many gardeners ask are cedar planter boxes worth it?
The short answer: yes, cedar planters can be a great long-term investment if you like the look, thanks to their durability and charm (for a detailed look, see our guide on pros and cons of cedar planter boxes).
Place a few rectangular cedar planters along the pool’s edge or against a fence and fill them with lush green plants to soften the hardscape.
You could plant ferns, hostas, or elephant ears for a tropical jungle vibe (their big leaves look gorgeous against wood grain) or go for a minimalist look with simple boxwood shrubs or palms in each planter.
Wooden planters also work well for creating a border or raised garden bed feel around a pool patio – almost like portable garden beds.
For instance, a series of waist-height wooden planters can act as a subtle partition between the pool and the rest of the yard, all while overflowing with foliage or flowers.
To maintain wood planters, make sure they have proper drainage and consider applying a sealant or liner inside to extend their life.
Over time, cedar will weather to a silvery grey, which many find attractive.
The natural texture of wood planters brings a relaxing, spa-like quality to your pool area. It’s the perfect blend of homely comfort and resort appeal.
7. Self-Watering Planters for Easy Care
Love the idea of poolside planters but worried about the upkeep? Enter self-watering planters – the perfect solution for busy homeowners.
These clever containers have built-in water reservoirs that keep your plants hydrated without daily effort. In a hot poolside setting, that can be a lifesaver (no more coming home to wilted flowers after a sunny day!).
Self-watering planters come in all styles, from modern composite pots to classic resin barrels, so you don’t have to sacrifice looks for convenience.
You can pot up thirsty plants like petunias, cannas, or even small citrus trees, and the planter will release water as needed to the roots.
This ensures consistent moisture and reduces the frequency of watering – perfect for maintaining tropical flowers or lush ferns in the heat.
If you’re a DIY type, you might even make your own self-irrigating setup; check out our DIY self-watering planter guide for a step-by-step tutorial on creating one from common materials.
By using self-watering planters around your pool, you get the resort look without the high-maintenance workload.
Group a few of these smart planters in decorative arrangements and you can practically go on vacation knowing your poolside plants will take care of themselves (well, almost!).
Just remember to refill the reservoirs every so often, and your outdoor planters will keep the backyard looking green and vibrant with minimal fuss. Easy, breezy, and beautiful!
8. Colorful Planter Groupings for Visual Impact
Resorts often feature abundant groupings of pots and plants – you can do the same by arranging clusters of planters for a bold decorative statement.
Instead of a single pot here or there, try combining multiple planters of different sizes, shapes, and colors in one area to create a focal point.
For example, pick a color scheme that complements your pool tile or furniture (say, blues and whites, or terracotta and green) and use 3-5 pots in that palette. A trio might include a large floor planter, a medium pot, and a small pot or two, all huddled together with various plants.
The effect is a lush, layered look that feels like an upscale resort courtyard. You could place a grouping like this at the pool’s corner, beside a cabana or seating area, or near the entrance to your pool deck.
Mixing planter heights is key – use tall planters (or put one on a plant stand) alongside squat bowls to vary the levels. In the pots, mix plant types for a rich tapestry: perhaps a palm or dracaena in the tall one, bushy flowers or shrubs in the medium, and trailing vines or succulents in the lowest.
Don’t be afraid to play with colorful planters either: glazed ceramic pots in bright turquoise or coral can really pop, adding to that festive vacation atmosphere.
Grouped displays also let you swap out individual planters seasonally or if one plant isn’t doing well, without disturbing the whole arrangement.
The overall goal is to create an eye-catching vignette that brings personality and style to your poolside. This is a fantastic way to use those stylish poolside plant ideas you’ve been collecting – just group them for maximum impact and watch your backyard come alive.
9. Creative DIY Planters and Upcycled Containers
Put your personal stamp on your pool area by incorporating some DIY or upcycled planters.
Resort style doesn’t have to mean store-bought luxury; you can achieve a unique, stylish look by repurposing items or crafting your own planters.
Have an old barrel, wheelbarrow, or wooden crate? Convert it into a charming planter for a rustic chic accent near the pool.
An weathered wooden crate spilling over with colorful flowers or a vintage wheelbarrow planted with succulents can serve as a conversation piece.
If your style leans modern, you could DIY some geometric cement planters, or paint terra cotta pots in trendy colors and patterns.
The possibilities are endless (and often budget-friendly). For inspiration, check out our roundup of the best DIY planters which has plenty of creative ideas to get you started.
You can even add a practical twist to your DIY projects – for instance, build a planter bench that doubles as seating, or make a vertical planter wall from a pallet to save space.
Don’t forget that planters can be edible too! Consider dedicating one of your poolside planters to a fun kitchen garden project.
A deep pot or tiered planter could grow herbs or even strawberries – imagine snacking on fresh berries by the pool. If that piques your interest, see our simple strawberry planter ideas for guidance on growing strawberries in containers.
By mixing in DIY planters with store-bought ones, you’ll give your backyard a truly personalized, lived-in feel. Plus, you get bragging rights when guests admire your handiwork!
10. Elevated Planters on Stands (Add Levels of Green)
One trick designers use to achieve a resort-worthy landscape is varying the heights of plants – and you can do this with plant stands and raised planters.
Elevating some of your pots on stands creates layers of greenery at different eye levels, making the whole scene more dynamic and lush.
For instance, you might have floor pots sitting on the pool deck, and next to them, a planter or two perched on a metal or wooden plant stand 1–2 feet high.
This staggered height arrangement lets cascading plants spill down from above while others stay low – very visually engaging!
You can buy beautiful outdoor plant stands (wrought iron, bamboo, etc.), or even better, make your own if you’re into crafts (our stunning DIY plant stands guide can spark some ideas).
Use stands that are weather-resistant and sturdy, especially for heavier pots. This approach works with any style: a sleek modern stand holding a snake plant or ZZ plant can amp up a contemporary design, whereas a woven rattan stand with a fern fits a tropical or Boho theme perfectly.
By elevating some planters, you’ll also protect certain plants from being too close to splashes or hot surfaces. It’s a simple hack that adds a lot of visual interest – suddenly your poolside isn’t flat, but alive with layers, almost like a jungle or a well-designed hotel patio.
Even a small side table can act as a stand for a pretty planter and create a vignette (picture a blooming orchid or bromeliad in a pot on a little table beside a lounge chair – fancy!).
Mixing heights will make your collection of poolside planters feel more curated and professionally designed. So go ahead and give some of your pots a lift!
Effective Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Poolside Planters
Setting up your poolside planters is not just about picking plants – a few smart tips will ensure your container garden thrives and looks great over time:
Choose Durable Outdoor Planters
Invest in outdoor planters for your backyard that can withstand sun, water, and weather.
Materials like terracotta, concrete, ceramic, fiberglass, or treated wood are all excellent choices for poolside containers.
Terracotta and ceramic pots offer classic style but may need to be brought in during freezing weather to avoid cracks.
Concrete and stone planters are very stable (great for windy spots) but can be heavy to move.
Lighter options like fiberglass or resin are stylish poolside plant containers as well – they’re UV-resistant, won’t chip easily, and are easier to rearrange if you like to tweak your layout.
Wooden planters (like cedar boxes from Idea #6) give a natural look; just ensure they’re sealed or lined so constant moisture doesn’t degrade the wood.
Whatever you choose, make sure each planter has drainage holes so that rain or overwatering doesn’t drown your plants.
Scale and Placement
When selecting planter sizes, consider the scale of your pool and deck.
A sprawling poolscape can handle large planters or even oversize pots with small trees, whereas a petite pool patio might look better with a cluster of smaller pots.
As a rule of thumb, go for a pot at least double the diameter of your plant’s root ball – bigger pots hold moisture longer (less frequent watering) and provide stability.
Place heavier planters in spots where they won’t need to be moved often, and use plant caddies with wheels for big pots if you anticipate relocating them seasonally.
Also, think about positioning: keep planters a couple of feet back from the pool edge if possible, so any soil or fallen leaves land on deck (where they can be swept) rather than straight into the water.
Right Plant, Right Place
Pay attention to the microclimate around your pool. The area right next to a pool can be hotter and more humid (from water reflection and evaporation) than the rest of the yard.
Choose plants that love sun and heat for those spots (e.g. succulents, grasses, Mediterranean herbs as discussed).
If you have a saltwater pool, opt for salt-tolerant plants (many palms, yucca, and oleander handle salt spray well – though remember oleander is toxic, so avoid if kids or pets are around).
Near a chlorinated pool, most plants will be fine with the occasional splash.
In fact, normal pool water splashes shouldn’t harm your plants at all – “there should be no effect of pool water splashed on nearby plants from normal pool use,” according to experts.
So don’t worry too much about a little chlorine mist, just avoid physically dumping pool water into your pots.
Maintenance Made Simple
To keep your poolside planters looking resort-fresh, establish an easy maintenance routine. Check soil moisture daily in hot weather – container plants can dry out fast under full sun.
Using self-watering planters (Idea #7) or setting up a drip irrigation line with a timer can cut down your chores significantly.
A layer of mulch on top of the soil (like small pebbles or bark) can also help retain moisture and give a finished look.
Feed your plants with a slow-release fertilizer every month or as directed; containers lose nutrients quicker with all the watering. Keep a pool skimmer or small broom handy to catch any occasional leaf drop or flower petals before they blow into the water.
If you choose mostly low-litter plants (as we suggested), cleanup should be minimal.
Lastly, wipe down or hose off your planters themselves once in a while to remove chlorine residue or dirt – this will keep them looking new.
Year-Round Enjoyment
You can enjoy beautiful planters by the pool even outside of summer. In autumn, swap in some ornamental cabbages, pansies, or mums for continued color.
And when winter arrives, don’t let your poolscape go barren – try incorporating cold-hardy evergreens or seasonal displays in your pots (for example, mini cedar trees, holly, or arrangements of twigs and lights for festivity).
Pro tip: If you live in a cold climate, you might find our stunning winter planter ideas helpful for inspiration on decorating off-season.
Also, remember to protect frost-sensitive pots (move ceramic pots indoors or wrap them if a freeze hits).
By rotating plants with the seasons or using durable year-round species, you’ll maintain that resort-style allure in your backyard 12 months a year. After all, a true resort feels inviting in every season!
Transform Your Poolside into a Resort-Style Oasis
Start with one or two ideas that inspire you most and build out your poolscape gradually.
Even small additions like a new planter of bright hibiscus or a cluster of herbs can make a big difference in the ambience.
So roll up your sleeves and start transforming your pool area into a lush getaway – line a corner with graceful grasses, place a palm near your favorite lounge chair, or hang a blooming vine on the pergola.
The best part of this project is that it’s completely customizable and fun to do. Dive in and give your poolside a resort-style upgrade!
Once you’ve spruced up your space, kick back with a cold drink and enjoy the tropical vibes at home. And if you have your own creative planter ideas or questions, we’d love to hear them.
Leave a comment below and share how you’ve turned your poolside into a personal paradise. Happy planting and happy relaxing!
FAQs
1. What plants should I avoid planting around a swimming pool?
Avoid plants that drop lots of leaves, flowers, or fruit, such as crepe myrtles, oaks, or maples.
Steer clear of thorny or spiky plants near walkways (cactus, roses) and toxic plants accessible to kids or pets (oleander).
Opt for low-litter, non-hazardous options like ornamental grasses or non-toxic flowering shrubs.
2. How do I choose the right size and type of planter?
Size: Match the planter to the plant and space. Large pots suit big plants but are heavy; small pots dry out faster but are easier to move.
Material: Use weather-resistant options: concrete, stone, fiberglass, ceramic, wood. Consider style and climate (freeze-prone areas may crack ceramic/terracotta).
Function: Decide if mobility or self-watering is needed. Ensure good drainage to keep roots healthy.
3. Will chlorinated pool water hurt my plants?
Normal pool splashes are fine; chlorine is low and dissipates quickly.
Avoid regularly using pool water for irrigation. Saltwater pools may affect sensitive plants – choose salt-tolerant species like succulents or tropicals if concerned.
4. How can I keep my poolside planters low-maintenance?
- Choose easy-care plants: succulents, cacti, ornamental grasses, long-blooming shrubs.
- Group by needs: plants with similar water and sun requirements together.
- Use self-watering or drip irrigation: reduces watering chores.
- Mulch and fertilize smartly: keeps soil moist, suppresses weeds, and reduces feeding frequency.
- Design for easy cleaning: use trays or stands to catch overflow and place messier plants in easy-to-clean spots.
5. What should I do with my poolside planters during winter?
- Mild climates: most tropicals and evergreens can stay outside.
- Cooler climates: swap in winter-hardy plants like pansies, ornamental cabbage, or small evergreens.
- Bring sensitive plants indoors: hibiscus, mandevilla, succulents near a sunny window or greenhouse.
- Protect containers: move fragile pots indoors or wrap them; drain soil to avoid cracking.
- Cover or elevate soil: for built-in or immovable planters, use breathable covers and ensure drainage.