Keeping your pool area looking sharp isn’t just about clean water and nice lounge chairs—it’s also about the right plants. The tricky part? Chlorine. It can be harsh on foliage, especially if you’ve got splash-happy kids or regular pool parties. Not all plants can handle it, but some thrive nearby, bringing those easygoing, resort-style vibes without constant maintenance.
We’ve rounded up 16 plants that don’t just tolerate chlorine—they look great doing it. These picks can handle the occasional splash and still keep your backyard feeling like a getaway. Think bold leaves, hardy textures, and a mix of color that stands up to sun, water, and weekend chaos.
Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is a showstopper with its bold, exotic flowers resembling a bird in flight. Perfect for sunny poolside areas, this plant thrives in full sunlight. Its remarkable orange and blue blooms add a tropical flair, enhancing the resort-like feel of any pool area.
Tolerant of chlorine and requiring minimal care, it provides both beauty and practicality. Its leathery green leaves remain lush year-round, creating a striking contrast with the water’s blue.
Did you know? This plant symbolizes joy and paradise, making it a fitting choice for a serene poolside retreat.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are known for their feathery, arching fronds that bring a touch of lushness to any space. Ideal for poolside areas with partial shade, these ferns thrive in high humidity environments.
Their ability to withstand chlorine exposure makes them a favorite for pool owners seeking greenery without hassle. With proper watering, their fronds maintain a vibrant green throughout the year.
These ferns have been popular since the Victorian era, often symbolizing sincerity and humility. Their timeless appeal continues to charm plant enthusiasts across the globe.
Agave
Agave plants are the epitome of resilience, thriving in the harshest conditions with minimal water needs. Their impressive, architectural shape adds a modern touch to poolside settings.
These succulents handle chlorine exposure well, making them a practical choice for low-maintenance landscaping. With their striking rosette formation, Agaves provide a bold visual statement.
Historically, Agave has been used to produce tequila, adding a quirky twist to its functional beauty. Its sharp, pointed leaves provide an intriguing contrast to the smooth, reflective water surface.
Oleander
Oleander is a versatile shrub known for its profuse blooms and hardy nature. Its vibrant flowers, ranging from pink to white, create an enchanting display around pool areas.
Tolerant of salt and chlorine, Oleander thrives with minimal care, making it a popular choice for busy homeowners. Its dense foliage provides privacy and shade, enhancing the pool’s relaxation zone.
However, caution is advised as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Despite its toxicity, Oleander’s beauty makes it a staple in Mediterranean-style gardens worldwide.
Yucca
Yucca plants are known for their dramatic, sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes. Perfectly suited for sunny poolside conditions, they add a touch of desert elegance.
Chlorine exposure doesn’t faze these hardy plants, making them an ideal choice for pool landscaping. Their striking silhouette provides visual interest and architectural flair.
Native to hot, arid environments, Yuccas are drought-tolerant and require little maintenance. Their exotic appearance can transform a simple pool area into a desert oasis, blending naturally with succulents and rocks.
Lantana
Lantana is celebrated for its colorful, clustered blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These hardy shrubs thrive in full sun, making them ideal for poolside planting.
Their resistance to chlorine exposure and ability to bloom continuously throughout the season make Lantanas a delightful choice for a lively garden. The flowers’ citrusy scent adds an aromatic touch to the poolside air.
Originating from tropical regions, Lantana’s vibrant display and wildlife-friendly nature make it a beloved plant in both residential and public gardens.
Papyrus
Papyrus plants bring a touch of ancient elegance to modern poolside settings. Known for their tall, graceful stalks topped with umbrella-like fronds, they thrive in wet conditions.
Able to withstand chlorine, Papyrus plants are excellent for planting in or near water features. Their unique silhouette adds height and texture to the landscape.
Historically used in ancient Egypt to make paper, Papyrus continues to be a symbol of knowledge and growth. Its striking presence can elevate any poolside into an elegant retreat.
Plumeria
Plumeria trees, with their fragrant, waxy flowers, bring a taste of the tropics to poolside areas. Known for their sweet scent, they are a favorite in Hawaiian leis.
These trees are surprisingly tolerant of chlorine and thrive in warm, sunny environments. Their flowers, ranging in color from white to pink, add an exotic flair.
Besides their beauty, Plumerias have cultural significance in many tropical cultures, symbolizing new beginnings and positivity. Their lush foliage provides shade and privacy, enhancing the pool’s relaxing ambiance.
Lavender
Lavender is cherished for its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple spikes. Perfect for sunny poolside locations, it thrives with minimal watering and maintenance.
Its ability to withstand chlorine exposure makes it a practical choice for aromatherapy enthusiasts seeking tranquility by the water. Lavender’s silvery foliage adds a soft contrast to the vibrant blooms.
Historically used for its calming properties, Lavender remains a symbol of serenity and purity. Its presence by the pool can transform the area into a fragrant haven of relaxation.
Canna Lily
Canna Lilies are known for their bold, vibrant flowers and lush foliage, adding an exotic touch to poolside gardens. These plants thrive in warm, sunny environments and can tolerate wet conditions.
Their resilience to chlorine exposure makes them a striking addition to any water-side space. The large, colorful blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
Originating from tropical regions, Canna Lilies bring a taste of the exotic to temperate climates. Their dramatic presence can elevate the aesthetic appeal of poolside settings significantly.
Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop, is a hardy succulent known for its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers. Ideal for sunny, well-drained areas, Sedum thrives with little care.
Its tolerance to chlorine and drought makes it a reliable choice for poolside gardens. The plant’s colorful blooms range from white to pink, offering a cheerful splash of color.
With a history of medicinal uses, Sedum has been valued for its healing properties. Its low-profile growth habit makes it perfect for edging or filling gaps in rock gardens.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants, with their large, colorful flowers, bring a tropical paradise feel to any poolside. Known for their striking beauty, they thrive in warm, sunny locations.
These plants are chlorine tolerant, making them a practical choice for poolside landscaping. The blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and movement.
Used in traditional medicine and teas, Hibiscus is celebrated for its health benefits. Its vibrant presence can transform a simple poolside into a lively, tropical escape.
Cordyline
Cordyline plants are cherished for their long, colorful leaves, which range from green to deep red. Perfect for adding vertical interest, they thrive in sunny, well-drained locations.
With a resilience to chlorine, Cordylines are ideal for poolside planting. Their tropical appearance complements a variety of garden styles.
These plants are often associated with good luck and protection in Polynesian cultures. Their striking form and vivid colors bring a touch of the exotic to any outdoor space.
Zebra Grass
Zebra Grass, with its unique striped foliage, adds texture and movement to poolside landscapes. This ornamental grass thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas.
Chlorine tolerant and hardy, Zebra Grass is perfect for creating privacy screens or background plantings. Its height and graceful sway in the wind add a dynamic quality to the garden.
A member of the Miscanthus family, this grass is admired for its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements. It’s a perfect choice for adding vertical interest and natural beauty.
Elephant Ears
Elephant Ear plants are prized for their large, heart-shaped leaves that create a dramatic focal point. These tropical plants thrive in warm, moist conditions.
Their ability to withstand chlorine exposure makes them a bold choice for poolside planting. The massive leaves provide shade and enhance the garden’s lush feel.
Often associated with tropical getaways, Elephant Ears evoke a sense of adventure and exotic beauty. Their impressive size and shape add a jungle-like ambiance to any pool area.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is celebrated for its vibrant, paper-thin bracts that bloom in a spectacular array of colors. Perfect for sunny, dry conditions, it thrives with minimal water and care.
Tolerant to chlorine exposure, Bougainvillea is ideal for draping over trellises or walls around the pool. Its cascading flowers add a splash of tropical color and elegance.
Originating from South America, this plant is synonymous with coastal beauty. Its vibrant presence transforms simple spaces into colorful, inviting retreats.