Giant Bird of Paradise

If you're thinking of going the tropical-oasis route, a Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) will get you there quickly. It looks similar to a banana plant, has an upright growth habit and 5-10-foot-long leaves. Like the banana, Strelitzia nicolai needs shelter from strong winds, or its leaves will get ripped and not look as good as it could. Both Giant Bird of Paradise and the smaller Bird of Paradise make excellent choices for poolscaping -- neither shed and are strong enough to tolerate splashing (in moderation, of course).