Black-Eyed Susan vs Boston Fern

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Asteraceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	4'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Yellow	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

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 Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 9–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View Boston FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan 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, Black-Eyed Susan or Boston Fern?

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 1' 6" and 4' respectively.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Boston Fern?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Boston Fern
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Nephrolepis exaltata
Family	Asteraceae	Nephrolepidaceae
Category	flowers	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧💧 High
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	1' 6"	4'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Yellow	None
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Tropical Americas
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

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 Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 9–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Boston Fern grows in zones 9-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan 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, Black-Eyed Susan or Boston Fern?

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 1' 6" and 4' respectively.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Boston Fern deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Boston Fern?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Boston Fern has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.