When designing a poolside area, the right choice of plants can elevate the space, adding beauty and a sense of tranquility. However, if you have pets, you must carefully select plants that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe for your furry friends. Certain plants can be toxic or harmful if your pets ingest them, so it’s essential to choose species that won’t pose a risk. Fortunately, many pet-friendly plants can thrive around your swimming pool, offering both safety and stunning visuals.
This article explores pet-safe plants that can be used around your swimming pool, ensuring that both your pets and your landscaping thrive in harmony.
Why Opt for Pet-Friendly Plants Around Your Pool?
Selecting pet-friendly plants for your pool area is important for the safety of your pets. Dogs and cats tend to explore their environment by chewing on plants or even ingesting them. Some common ornamental plants can be toxic, causing serious health issues, including gastrointestinal distress, organ damage, or even death. For this reason, opting for non-toxic, pet-safe plants is a critical step to ensure your pets’ safety.
Additionally, choosing the right plants enhances your pool area’s appearance, softening hardscapes, providing shade, and creating a more inviting outdoor space. Many pet-safe plants are also low-maintenance, making them practical options for landscaping around your pool.
Best Pet-Friendly Plants for Poolside Landscaping
1. Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemon grass is a vibrant, aromatic plant that thrives in sunny conditions, making it ideal for poolside landscaping in Australia. It adds a refreshing citrus scent to your outdoor space while being completely safe for pets. The long, narrow leaves are non-toxic to both dogs and cats, and the plant is easy to maintain. Lemon grass works well as a border plant or in decorative pots placed around the pool.
2. Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Bamboo provides a tropical feel and is perfect for creating a private, tranquil poolside retreat. Safe for pets, bamboo is an excellent choice if you want to add height and greenery around your pool area. When selecting bamboo, opt for a clumping variety like Fargesia, as running bamboo can be invasive. Bamboo’s fast growth makes it ideal for providing shade or forming natural barriers around the pool area.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a hardy and pet-friendly plant that thrives in both sun and shade. Its long, arching green leaves and small white flowers make it visually appealing, while being completely safe for pets. Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to maintain a fresh atmosphere around the pool. You can plant them in containers or hang them in baskets around the pool for a touch of greenery.
4. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus plants are known for their large, vibrant flowers in a range of colours, adding a pop of beauty to your pool area. While some hibiscus species can be toxic to animals, most varieties are safe for pets, including dogs and cats. However, as a precaution, it’s best to keep the flowers out of your pets’ reach. Hibiscus plants thrive in warm, sunny conditions, making them ideal for Australian climates and poolside gardens.
5. Maranta (Maranta leuconeura)
The Maranta, also known as the “prayer plant,” is a lovely pet-safe option that adds a unique touch to your poolside landscaping. Its striking green leaves, with their colourful veins, are both attractive and safe for your pets. Marantas thrive in shaded areas, making them ideal for locations around the pools sydney where the sunlight may be more limited. This easy-to-care-for plant can be used to add texture and colour near your pool.
6. African Daisy (Osteospermum)
African daisies are a fantastic way to bring vibrant colours to your pool area while maintaining a pet-friendly environment. These hardy, low-maintenance flowers bloom in shades of purple, white, yellow, and pink. African daisies are non-toxic to pets and grow well in full sun, making them a perfect choice for poolside gardens. Whether planted in the ground or in decorative containers, they are sure to brighten up the space.
7. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are another cheerful addition to your pet-friendly poolside garden. These easy-to-grow flowers come in a wide variety of colours, from bright reds and oranges to soft pinks and purples. Zinnias are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for your pool area. They thrive in full sun and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can further enhance the beauty of your garden.
8. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
As a native Australian plant, Kangaroo Paw is a perfect choice for a pet-safe and drought-tolerant poolside landscape. Known for its unique, tubular flowers resembling a kangaroo’s paw, this plant brings an exotic flair to your pool area. The flowers are available in a range of colours, including red, yellow, and green. Kangaroo Paw is non-toxic to pets, so you can safely plant it around your pool without worrying about your animals.
9. Succulents (Various species)
Succulents are an excellent choice for pet-friendly poolside landscaping due to their low-maintenance nature and attractive shapes and colours. Many succulent species, including jade plants, echeverias, and sedums, are non-toxic to pets. Succulents thrive in full sun, making them a perfect fit for sunny pool areas. Their unique shapes and textures add visual interest and can be used in containers or as ground cover around your pool.
10. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a fragrant, hardy plant that thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions, making it ideal for poolside landscaping. Not only is lavender safe for pets, but its calming fragrance also promotes relaxation—perfect for creating a peaceful poolside environment. Its purple flowers provide a beautiful contrast against the green foliage, adding a pop of colour to your outdoor space. Lavender also attracts pollinators, further enhancing the natural atmosphere around the pool.
Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly poolside garden is achievable with the right selection of plants. By choosing non-toxic species like lemon grass, bamboo, spider plants, and succulents, you can enjoy a beautiful, safe outdoor space for both your pets and your family. These plants offer aesthetic appeal, ease of care, and peace of mind, ensuring that your pool area remains a relaxing haven for everyone. When planning your poolside landscaping, consider your pets’ safety while choosing plants that will thrive in your climate and enhance the beauty of your space.