Poolside plants to freshen up your customer’s aquatic activities

Photo: Tammy Friesen/Flickr

With summer on its way and more and more people spending time outdoors, pools are one thing on everyone’s mind.

For your customers who already have a pool in place, take a look at the area surrounding their pool. Do they have adequate shading? Do they have a blooming array of plant life present? Do they even have anything at all around it? If not, check out a few ideas we’ve compiled that will add decoration and foliage to your customer’s aquatic getaway.

Tropical plants

Photo: Wikipedia

Philodendron (Philodendron)

Philodendrons have easy care requirements and give off early signs of poor health. When the top inch of the soil is dry, it’s a good time to water the philodendron. If leaves are drooping, it’s time to change up the watering schedule, and pale new leaves are an indicator that the plant is lacking. In spring and summer months, water it with fertilizer. To see philodendron thrive, place in bright, indirect sunlight.

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Photo: Kathy Kimpel/Flickr

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

These plants have a fast growing rate, and their leaves can reach a height of 5 to 10 feet. These beauties appreciate a sunny spot that’s also sheltered to help keep their leaves from shredding in high winds. Birds of paradise are prized for their orange and blue bird-like flower heads and bold green leaves. They can also thrive in containers if your customers prefer that route.

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Succulents

Photo: Garry Knight/Flickr

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Aloe plants not only act as an air purifier, they can alleviate pain from scrapes and burns. Soothing aloe gel is stored in the variegated center leaves. Aloe should be planted in a wide container with potting mix that will drain well to keep the plant from rotting. Soil should be kept on the dry side, and in the winter even less watering is required. Aloe requires full sun to thrive.

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Photo: jchatoff/Flickr

Agave (Agave attenuata)

These succulents require little water and care, and they can grow to a height of 5 feet. Agave provide bold, strong accents and look even more attractive when surrounded by other succulents.

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Photo: Wikipedia

Trees

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

This is a bright poolside decoration because of its arching fronds, feathery look and abundance of leaves. The areca palm isn’t difficult to care for but it does require specific lighting. If you place it in direct sunlight, make sure to watch for yellowing leaves. In spring and summer, keep the soil moist and allow it to dry in fall and winter. Place the palm in bright, indirect sunlight for best results.

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Photo: Xin Mei/Flickr

Banana tree (Musa x paradisiaca)

Banana trees have towering, large leaves that can offer shade and a good focal point around the pool. They give off the instant look of a tropical oasis, and they grow quickly. They prefer a sunny yet sheltered spot. Banana trees need a lot of water and enjoy good compost as fertilizers.

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Shrubs

Photo: Pixabay

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

For customers who want to attract a bit of beautiful wildlife to the poolside, add in some butterfly weed. Its bright orange color blooms from June to August, serves as a source of nectar for many butterflies and its leaves are food sources for monarch butterfly larvae.

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Photo: Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr

Golden euonymus (Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’)

These brightly colored green and gold evergreen leaves add beautiful color and class to a poolside oasis. They are also incredibly versatile and require minimal care. They can grow to almost 6 feet tall.