Inground Pool plantings

14 years ago

Hey guys

I moved into my house 2 years ago and inherited an inground pool. The pool has been a lot of fun but the landscaping always lacked that "feel". The previous owners had a lot of holly, barberry (yea thorns on barefeet!), and well that's about it. I took out everything and have been adding a little each year.

So far I've planted a few hardy banana, hardy palms, hardy hibiscus, castor bean, many many canna, elephant ears, and a small magnolia shrub.

The pool is L-shaped and around 40000 gallons. The pool has concrete decking around it so I don't worry too much about roots, won't be planting large trees.

My inquiry is besides what I've planted is there anything else you guys recommend to bring that "tropical feel". I would prefer perennials or plants that are easily dug up. I dug up about 20 canna last year so that doesn't bother me. I'm looking for that "lush" look, prefer more foliage interesting specimens, doesn't need to flower. I can always just add more of what I've been using (which I have) just looking for more ideas

The area gets mostly sun with maybe an hour or two of shade at times in morning. Zone 6b St Louis metro

thanks a ton

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Comments (6)

tikifarmerz6b
14 years ago
It sounds like you have it covered pretty well for z6b...
Some perennials you might be interested in are crocosmia "lucifer",blackberry lillies , some ornamental grasses (japanese Blood Grass, Zebra Grass) and don't discount some of the large hostas for a tropical look (although the full sun could be a problem) . Also, there are some coral bells (huechera/huecherella) with real colorful foliage . Tradescantia "Sweet Kate" , Purple Heart ,iris (variegata) and some of the euonymous have a tropical vibe .
Some you may consider for digging up and storing are brugmansia,lantana and plumeria .
Laceleaf Elderberry is a cool shrub but, it would take up some space ...

Do you have some pics ???

Here are some of mine ...

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/IMG_4004.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/IMG_4006.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/IMG_4008.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/IMG_3986.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/IMG_3978.jpg[/IMG]
tikifarmerz6b
14 years ago
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nick1427d
Original Author
14 years ago
Tiki

Did you post these on a pool site (the block won't let me say which one) ? I saw these posted there and have actually been trying to mimic what you have. Your poolscape looks excellent!!

Thanks for the help
tikifarmerz6b
14 years ago
Thanks for the compliment ...
I did post some of these pics last fall on a pool site.
Good luck on your quest for cold hardy tropicality and post some pics when you can !
nick1427d
Original Author
14 years ago
Tiki

In picture #4 is that a pindo palm? How do you keep it from getting bit by frost?
tikifarmerz6b
14 years ago
It is a pindo . I build a styrofoam box around it and wrap rope lights around the trunk . It takes this treatment pretty well ...