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ornamental grass around pool

Looking to create a lush, resort-like feel in your backyard? Adding ornamental grass around pool areas is a fantastic way to achieve a tranquil, natural setting while keeping maintenance to a minimum. Ornamental grasses offer elegant structure, soft movement, and year-round interest that perfectly complement the clean lines of modern pools and the inviting glow of classic kiwi backyards. Choosing the right grasses also helps filter debris, reducing pool maintenance and creating natural privacy screens.

Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm in width, it features graceful, deep green foliage and produces yellow flower spikes in spring. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions, making it ideal for New Zealand gardens, borders, mass plantings, and commercial landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 65 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
Lomandra 'Seascape' grass with elegant, blue-green foliage growing beside a pond.

Lomandra confertifolia Seascape

Lomandra confertifolia 'Seascape' is a hardy, evergreen ornamental grass featuring slender, blue-grey foliage with a graceful, weeping habit. Forming tidy clumps approximately 50 cm tall and wide, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for mass plantings, borders, containers, and around outdoor living areas, adding year-round texture and colour to gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Lomandra 'Misty Green' plants with cascading green foliage growing a bank.
Lomandra Misty Green

Lomandra Misty Green is an ornamental grass with delicate, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 40 cm in height and width...

From$19.25
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

From$11.50
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$17.87
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$8.21
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$16.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

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Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$18.63
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$19.95
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$20.63
Apodasmia similis growing in a rock garden.
Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi)

Apodasmia similis, commonly known as Oioi or Jointed Wire Rush, is a hardy native grass-like plant found throughout New Zealand. It is ideal for...

From$7.50
Liriope muscari growing as a mass planting in a woodand garden.
Liriope muscari

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkeygrass, is an herbaceous perennial with flower spikes that rise above the foliage during summer...

From$14.50
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

From$20.63
Liriope spicata plants with pink-blue flowers in a garden.
Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf)

Liriope spicata, commonly known as Creeping Lily Turf, grows as a clump and produces arching, strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems carrying...

From$17.95
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and...

From$19.95
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$14.95
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
Liriope muscari 'Blue Skies' plant with blue flowers and green foliage in a garden.
Liriope 'Blue Skies'

Liriope 'Blue Skies' is a blue-flowering Liriope that forms a tidy clump and features strap-like, dark green leaves. Flower spikes rise above the...

From$14.50
Liriope muscari 'Samantha' plants with dark green leaves and pink flowers.
Liriope 'Samantha'

Liriope 'Samantha' is a pink-flowering Liriope that produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems carrying masses of tiny, light pink flowers...

From$17.95
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$11.50
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, and Lomandra, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search ornamental grass around pool

Why Use Ornamental Grass Around Your Pool?

Ornamental grass around pool spaces isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. These hardy plants thrive in New Zealand’s changing weather, tolerating both sun and wind. Unlike some leafy options, quality grasses shed very little, keeping your pool clear of mess. Their deep roots help stabilise soil and reduce erosion, making them perfect for sloping pool surrounds or exposed sites. Best of all, they require minimal upkeep, are drought-tolerant once established, and look great all year round.

Top NZ Ornamental Grasses for Pools

When planning your poolside garden, focus on grasses that suit the environmental conditions around your pool—full sun, occasional splashes of chlorinated water, and good drainage. Here are some standout varieties loved by Kiwi gardeners:

How to Plant and Maintain Ornamental Grass Around a Pool

Before planting ornamental grass around pool zones, prepare the soil by adding compost and checking drainage—poolsides rarely like soggy patches. Space your grasses according to the variety’s mature size, allowing airflow to prevent mildew and keeping maintenance easy. Water regularly until established, mulch to suppress weeds, and trim dead foliage annually to keep everything looking crisp.

Design Tips for a Gorgeous Poolside

Mass-plant a single variety for a sleek, modern border, or mix different textures for a more natural, layered effect. Try grouping Juncus Blue Dart (Blue Rush) near water features, or plant Lomandra Misty Green along pathways for soft, inviting edges.

Ornamental grass around pool areas is the ultimate blend of style and practicality—perfect for creating your dream outdoor oasis here in New Zealand. Explore our full range to find the perfect grasses for your space and start planning your poolside paradise today.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Our most famous blooms include Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii' and Ficus benjamina variegata, but some of our best-kept secrets are Corokia 'Emerald And Jade', Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata', and Rosmarinus officinalis — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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