If you have a koi pond you know these fish need shade. As in nature, these plants, which can be planted in pots or in the edge of the soil near the bank of the pond thrive in shady areas. Many of these plants seem to give the illusion of growing half in and half out of the water. Planting them is a great way to conceal the plastic edge of your prefabricated pond liner.
Aquatic Mint -This plant grows up to two feet tall and makes an excellent ground coverage. Warning: although it is almost foolproof to grow it spreads like wildfire.
Aquatic Morning Glory -This plant’s flowers appear in summer. It grows to ten feet and is known to creep along a bank or trail in the water.
Arrow Arum -This plant, whose leaves resemble arrowheads grows to a height of two feet
Black Magic Taro -This taro’s foliage is very a very dark green, and almost black. It is often found in classic Japanese gardens. It can grow up to six feet tall so it can be used disguise a large external pond filter at the water’s edge.
Cardinal Flower -This plant’s bright red flowers appear in summer. It does alright in shade and grows to three feet tall.
Corkscrew Rush -This plant has coiled foliage that grows up to two feet tall.
Chameleon Plant -This small plant which boasts multicolored leaves grows to the height of one foot.
Crushed Ice (Crushed Ice) -This plant will grow to 24”, it flowers in spring but has beautiful very light green and dark green foliage. It is hardy in zones 4-11.
Golden Club -This short plant has velvety furry leaves and sports long yellow spikes in the summer.
Imperial Taro -The heart shaped taro leaves are purple and green. It grows four feet.
Lizard’s Tail -This plant grows to 36”. Its white flowers appear in spring & last through summer. It is hardy zones 4-10.
Parrot’s Feather -This soft feather-like plant floats over the water and grows to two or three feet high.
Pickerel Rush -This plant has heart shaped foliage. Spiky blue or white flowers appear in summer.
Sensitive Plant – Children love this one because it’s leaves shrink when it is touched. Small yellow flowers appear in summer. It grows up to six feet tall.
Water Pennywort -This umbrella shaped spreading reaches a height of one foot.
Umbrella Palm -This classic water garden tree grows up to five feet tall. It is a common sight in traditional Japanese water gardens.
Happy planting!