Teddy Bear Magnolias sound perfect, they're hardy, low maintenance and drop very few leaves which means less mess in and around your friends pool. Be sure to keep them well mulched to retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay

Jade

Fabulous choice, magnificent plant. Great advice.

Thanks guys for the comments. We'd like them to grow slowly as its not a huge bed and the fence behind them isn't super tall. Is there anything we can do to slow the growth whilst keeping them healthy? cheers.

Buy them small, if they get too tall just gently nip the top, I find these not as fast growing as ‘little gem’.

Thankyou Julie, we'll do as you suggest.