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:

• Juncus Blue Dart (Blue Rush): With its unique blue-green stems, this striking rush brings a cool, contemporary feel to pool borders and pairs beautifully with native plantings.
• Lomandra White Sands: Boasting striking variegated foliage, this easy-care grass adds brightness and structure. It tolerates wind and salt—perfect for coastal pools.
• Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass): A staple for low-maintenance gardens, its arching, fine leaves remain green year-round, enhancing the softness and texture beside paved pool areas.
• Lomandra Misty Green: This compact, vibrant grass offers lovely movement and stays neat, providing elegant groundcover for tight poolside spots.
• Lomandra Nyalla: With upright, vibrant foliage, Nyalla is both hardy and highly attractive, perfect for creating architectural lines around modern swimming pools.

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.