• Some varieties of water lilies are well-suited to life in shady ponds.altrendo nature/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  While you may wish to place your pond in a sunny area full of light, sometimes that is not an option and you must set up your pond in the shade. Aquatic plants for ponds all require light, however the plants require varying degrees of light. Some aquatic plants require full-sun throughout the day in order to survive, but some prefer shade and thrive in minimal amounts of light.
  
  

Fairy Moss

• This versatile plant is well-suited to life in the shade, but tolerates full to partial sun as well. Fairy Moss is also tolerant of various weather conditions, even average winter conditions. Ice and frost, however, may impede the plant's growth. The Fairy Moss plant does not gain height as it grows, rather it spreads to cover the surface of a pond. The plant spreads aggressively, doubling in size every 4 days. Fairy Moss is not recommended in a water garden containing other plants.
  
  

Frog-Bit

• Frog-Bit produces floating, glossy leaves shaped like hearts. The leaves are bright green in color with purple-tinged undersides. This is a versatile plant, growing equally well in containers or ponds and tolerating a range of light conditions from full-sun to full-shade. Frog-Bit produces flowers in the summer months. In order to over-winter Frog-Bit, bring a few small plants indoors and allow them to grow in an aquarium during winter months.
  
  

Water Lettuce

• Water Lettuce produces green, velvety leaves that spread across the surface of a pond. Resembling floating heads of lettuce (hence the name) these plants may reach heights of up to 10 inches. Occasionally, the plant may also produce white flowers. Water Lettuce keeps pond water clean and oxygenated, prevents the spread of algae in the pond and also provides shade and shelter for pond fish. This plant prefers shade and may become severely damaged by frost or in cold temperatures.
  
  

Perry's Baby Red Water Lily

• This water lily produces deep green leaves and cup-shaped, floating flowers in shades of red, pink and white. Perry's Baby Red Water Lily flowers frequently, and grows equally well in container gardens and ponds. Flowers are mildly fragrant and are produced during late spring to early fall. This plant spreads quickly and is tolerant of partial-shade environments with only 4 hours of direct sunlight.
  
  

Texas Dawn Water Lily

• The Texas Dawn Water Lily produces green pad-like foliage flecked with deep red or brown. Its flowers are lemon-yellow in color, which may float on, or rise slightly above, the water. Flowers bloom regularly on this plant and are mildly fragrant. Texas Dawn Water Lilies require minimal amounts of sunlight, with 3t o 5 hours daily being sufficient. The plant may spread up to 4 feet in maturity.