What to want from poolside plants
Plants near a pool should be tidy, tolerant of heat and occasional splash, and unlikely to damage the pool shell, decking or plumbing. Grasses can give a pool area a soft, resort-like look, but they also drop leaves and plumes that end up in the water. Think about maintenance as well as appearance.
Roots: what “shallow-rooted” does and does not mean
Many gardeners search for shallow-rooted plants because they worry about roots affecting a pool. Most clumping ornamental grasses have fibrous root systems that spread outward in a clump rather than driving down like a tree root. That is generally less of a worry than large trees or woody shrubs. However, “shallow” is a rough guide, not a guarantee.
- Some grasses, such as switchgrass and little bluestem, are known for deep, fibrous roots in the ground.
- Rhizomatous or running plants can spread underground and push into cracks or edges.
- Pool shells, decking and plumbing vary, so check with your pool builder or a landscape professional if you have any concern.
As a precaution, keep clumping grasses a sensible distance from the pool edge and avoid running types close to hardscape.
Grasses that suit pool areas
Choose clumpers that stay tidy:
- Dwarf fountain grass ‘Hameln’: compact and soft, though plumes can drift. See small ornamental grasses.
- Blue fescue and blue oat grass: low blue mounds that suit pots or edges.
- Pink muhly (warmer zones): airy, with fall color.
- Sedges and mondo grass: useful in shaded spots by fences and walls.
- Feather reed grass: a narrow upright plant for screening sight lines.
Avoid spiky or sharp-edged plants where people walk barefoot. Grass blades can be sharp, so place them away from main walkways.
Bamboo: clumping only
Bamboo is popular for pool privacy screening. If you use it, choose clumping bamboo, which expands slowly outward, rather than running bamboo (see running vs clumping bamboo), which spreads by underground rhizomes and can be very hard to control. Clumping species rated for your climate vary: some suit warm zones and others tolerate colder winters. Even clumpers produce leaf litter, so plant them back from the water. A root barrier or large container offers extra control. For screening ideas, see tall ornamental grasses for privacy.
Distance, debris and maintenance
- Place the water-facing planting beds a few feet back from the edge, so leaves fall in the garden more than in the pool.
- Cut grasses back before new growth to reduce loose debris.
- Use gravel or stone mulch near the pool rather than light bark, which can float.
- Keep fertilizers away from the water. Rinse any plants that regularly get splashed with chlorinated or salty water, and choose tougher species for those spots, such as the salt-tolerant coastal ornamental grasses.
- Heat reflecting from paving can scorch some shade-loving grasses.
Plants to be careful with
Avoid aggressive spreaders and self-seeders near paving. Check which grasses are invasive locally. Pampas grass and some Miscanthus are among those flagged in some areas.
Pots as a flexible option
Containers let you add grasses without disturbing the ground and are easy to move. See growing ornamental grasses in containers. For general design principles, see landscaping with ornamental grasses.