Floating plants add color to some pond, make shade for fish and other aquatic life and supply food for waterfowl. While most pond plants thrive in full sunlight, some floating trousers grow in full to partial shade. There are 3 categories of floating plants which grow in ponds. Several floating pond plants grow in the warm, Mediterranean-style climates of U.S Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 though 10.
Free-Floating Pond Plants
As their name suggests, free-floating plants float across the water’s surface. Wind and water currents move these plants throughout the pond’s surface. Common duckweed (Lena small) and fairy moss (Azolla caroliniana) are among the most frequent free-floating plants, together with duckweed growing most efficiently in shady conditions.
Trailing Floating Pond Plants
Trailing floating plants grow from this pond bed in shallow places and form floating mats on the surface of the water. Plants in this class, including pennywort (Hydocotyle vericillata), favor at least six hours of sun but will grow in partial shade.
Submersed Floating-Leaved Plants
Submersed floating-leaved plants have roots that are anchored to the base of the pond. Their flowers and leaves develop and float on the surface. Common submersed floating-leaved plants include waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.) , spatterdock (Nuphar lutea) and watershield (Brasenia shreberi). While all will grow in shady conditions, spatterdock, also called yellow pond lily, is the most tolerant of reduced levels of sunlight.
Choosing Pond Plants
Choose plants for your pond based on your unique needs, whether it be to include color or provide shade for the fish. For instance, yellow pond lily produces bright yellow blooms, while plants such as duckweed attract and supply food for waterfowl and other aquatic life. Others need regular maintenance to keep them under control.