Begonia vs Boston Fern

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

Begonia

Begonia × semperflorens

Begoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Begonia (Zones 2-11)

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Begoniaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	3'
Spread	1'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Begonia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

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 Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BegoniaProfile →View Boston FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Begonia and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade 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, Begonia or Boston Fern?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Begonia at 1'. Boston Fern spreads 4' while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Boston Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Boston Fern?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Begoniaceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	3'
Spread	1'	4'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

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 Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

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.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Begonia and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade 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, Begonia or Boston Fern?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Begonia at 1'. Boston Fern spreads 4' while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Boston Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Boston Fern?

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