Monday, April 14, 2014

Good Poolside Plants

When choosing
plants, keep your hardy zone in mind.


When choosing plants to grow near your pool, several factors come into play. You want plants that can handle excess water and will not wilt at the first sign of the pool's chemicals. You want plants that do not leave a great deal of debris that can clog up your pool. Several species of plants, shrubs and trees will work well in this situation.


Ferns


Hardy and typically easy to maintain, ferns produce little if any litter. Various species of ferns will work well around poolside; if you want a dramatic look, choose either an ostrich fern -- with leaves that resemble ostrich feathers -- or the Japanese painted fern, which features silver leaves with maroon accents.


Canna Lilies


Providing a tropical feel to any landscape, canna lilies are available in various bright colors such as yellow, pink, white and red. Canna lilies require about six hours of sunlight a day and feature large blooms and large leaves. Canna lilies grow up to 6 feet and thrive in soil that stays moist.


Palm Trees


Palm trees go hand and hand with the tropical vibe and their tall height can add extra privacy to your pool area. Depending on the species, palm trees can reach heights up to 50 feet. When choosing the right species of palm trees, take into consideration your location. Many palms do not do well in colder climates. There are a few cold hardy palms available. Mediterranean Fan Palms and Windmill Palms are only two of the palm trees that tolerate cold temperatures.


Bromeliads


For a striking and unusual sight around your poolside, use bromeliads. Bromeliads are an American tropical plant that features stiff leaves and flamboyant flowers. The commonly known bromeliads are pineapples. Bromeliads are tolerant plants that can thrive in areas other plants cannot. You can find bromeliads growing in a wide array of climates including near seashores and coastal deserts.


Lilac Bush


If you want privacy around the pool, choose lilac bushes, which will not only block out the spying eyes of neighbors but will also fill the air with a pleasant floral aroma. Lilacs typically grow fast and are available with purple, white, blue and pink blooms. Plant lilac bushes 15 to 20 feet away from the pool, says Ron Smith, horticulturist for North Dakota State University Extension Service.








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