Apple Tree vs Boston Fern

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Apple Tree (Zones 3-8)

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Rosaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	25'	3'
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	White, Pink	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Apple Tree

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Boston Fern if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with high water in zones 9–11.

View Apple TreeProfile →View Boston FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Apple Tree and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Boston Fern?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Apple Tree and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Boston Fern?

Both Apple Tree and Boston Fern have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Rosaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	25'	3'
Spread	20'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	White, Pink	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Apple Tree and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Boston Fern?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Apple Tree and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Boston Fern?

Both Apple Tree and Boston Fern have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.