Help me pick plants for pool side containers?

6 years ago

Hi all,

I got two large planters when they were on sale at Costco for $15 this weekend. While the planters aren't my ideal aesthetic, I can't turn down such a great price. I'm a very novice gardener and need some help figuring out what to plant in them.

They're by the pool, and while they're high enough I don't anticipate they'll get a lot of pool water splashed on them, they will get some. We have a saltwater pool, which I think can be disastrous for some plants.

I'm in Zone 9, these are on the south side of the house and will take full sun all day.

I'd like more greenery than flowers.

Nothing too fussy or picky, I'm not great at reading plants yet to know what they need.

I want something that spills over, something with some height (but not too high, I don't want to make these top heavy), and maybe a third to balance it all out?

The only thought I had was maybe silver falls dichondra, but I'm not sure what else to plant with it.

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Comments (4)

cyn427 NoVaZone7
6 years ago
I think a Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (Dwarf Fountain Grass) in each pot would be lovely there.
Jennifer
6 years ago
Search for images of Cordyline 'Electric Flash'. Looks like flax but behaves better in containers and won't get ratty like flax. No bloom so no bees. Some cordyline get taller and taller then become Dr. Sues plants, not this one. Use well draining soil like cactus mix. Care free. Those beautiful mixed plant containers in magazines or the mall take lots of care and primping to look good all the time. If you must have a spiller, plant a couple burgandy and chartreuse potato vines in the summer. Those are annuals that can go all summer and then be removed for winter.
Becky thanked Jennifer
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popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
6 years ago
Giant papyrus would be lovely in those. Then you could underplant with other green foliage plants.
Daisy S
6 years ago
I am also zone 9 - just north of Sacramento. I also have a salt water pool (10 years). We’ve never had any plants affected by the salt water. Do not put anything blooming or grasses with blooms near the pool - bees and and blowing debris. Sego palms and bird of paradise do well for me. Watering will be problematic if not tied to your landscape irrigation system and timer. The heat of the long summer days and no rain during that time of the year can be brutal on potted plants - just forgetting to water one day and they will be harmed or toast. Good luck...get advice from a good local nursery.