The Best Native Plants for Natural Pool Landscaping in Austin, TX

When it comes to creating a truly beautiful and functional Natural Swimming Pool (NSP), the landscaping around it is just as important as the pool itself. For homeowners in Austin, TX, using native Texas plants in your Swim Pond design not only enhances the natural look of your space—it also supports the local ecosystem, reduces maintenance, and conserves water.

At Swim Pond, we specialize in the design, construction, and landscaping of professionally built Natural Swimming Pools. Whether you’re building a new pool or renovating your backyard oasis, Craig McBride and his team will help you choose the right native plants to complete your vision.

Using native plants in your Natural Swimming Pool landscaping has big advantages, especially in the hot, dry climate of Central Texas:

• Low Maintenance – Native species are adapted to local conditions and require less water, fertilizer, and care.
• Water Conservation – Drought-tolerant plants help reduce your irrigation needs—essential in Texas summers.
• Supports Wildlife – Native trees and shrubs attract birds, butterflies, and pollinators to your yard.
• Natural Aesthetic – Native plants complement the look of a Swim Pond, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
• Erosion Control – Deep root systems stabilize soil around your pond and reduce runoff into the water.

These native trees offer dappled shade, beauty, and resilience in the Texas climate:

• Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia) – Tough, drought-tolerant, and provides filtered shade.
• Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) – Stunning fall color and well-suited to rocky soil.
• Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) – Evergreen with fragrant purple blooms.
• Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) – Fast-growing, colorful, and a hummingbird favorite.
• Anacua (Ehretia anacua) – Native to Central Texas and great for attracting wildlife.

Native shrubs offer structure, privacy, and seasonal color around your Natural Pool:

• Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) – Red blooms attract butterflies and thrive in partial shade.

• Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) – Drought-tolerant and covered in red-orange flowers in summer.

• Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) – Evergreen with yellow blooms and edible red berries.

• Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala) – Low, bushy, and pink-blooming—ideal for poolside borders.
• Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) – Colorful, compact, and perfect for full-sun areas.

Low-growing ground covers and ornamental grasses help fill in space and reduce erosion near your Swim Pond:

• Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) – A flowering ground cover that’s perfect near water edges and tolerates occasional flooding.

• Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea) – Silvery trailing plant that thrives in hot, dry spots.

• Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) – A drought-tolerant alternative to traditional turf.

• Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) – Adds stunning pink-purple plumes in fall.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – A native grass with blue-green tones and rich fall color.

While it’s tempting to DIY your poolside landscaping, working with a professional like Craig McBride at Swim Pond ensures your space is both aesthetically stunning and ecologically sound:

• ✅ Native plants are selected for function, beauty, and placement near water.

• ✅ Erosion and drainage are addressed during design.

• ✅ Irrigation systems are installed to support plant health without overwatering.

• ✅ Year-round visual interest is planned for every season.

Your Swim Pond is more than a pool—it’s a living landscape. With thoughtful plant design, it becomes a true extension of the natural Hill Country environment.

If you’re in Austin, Dripping Springs, Blanco, Fredericksburg, or anywhere in the Central Texas region, now is the perfect time to create a sustainable backyard retreat with a Natural Swimming Pool and native landscaping.

Craig McBride, founder of Swim Pond and director of the Pond Professional Alliance (PPA), offers onsite consultations to help you plan your project from concept to completion.

Contact Craig McBride at Swim Pond today to schedule your onsite consultation and discover how native plants can elevate your outdoor space—naturally.