Astilbe vs Boston Fern

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

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Saxifragaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	2'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

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 Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

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 AstilbeProfile →View Boston FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, 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 Astilbe and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high 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, Astilbe or Boston Fern?

Both Astilbe and Boston Fern reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 2' and 4' respectively.

Are Astilbe and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Boston Fern are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Boston Fern?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Saxifragaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	2'	4'
Bloom Season	Summer	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

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 Astilbe and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, 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 Astilbe and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high 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, Astilbe or Boston Fern?

Both Astilbe and Boston Fern reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 2' and 4' respectively.

Are Astilbe and Boston Fern deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Boston Fern are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Boston Fern?

Astilbe has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Astilbe may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.