Boston Fern vs Boxwood

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

Buxaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Boxwood (Zones 5-8)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Buxaceae
Category	ferns	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	8'
Spread	4'	8'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Green
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Boxwood

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

View Boston FernProfile →View BoxwoodProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Boxwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Boxwood?

Both Boston Fern and Boxwood 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	Boston Fern	Boxwood
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Buxaceae
Category	ferns	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Part Shade to Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	8'
Spread	4'	8'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Green
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe, Asia, Africa
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Care Tips

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.

Boxwood

✓Avoid deep cultivation near shallow roots.
✓Thin interior branches for air circulation.
✓Protect from drying winter winds.
✓Don't plant too deep.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Boxwood if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full sun with medium water in zones 5–8.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Boxwood grows in zones 5-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Boxwood?

Boxwood grows taller at 8' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Boxwood spreads 8' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Boxwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Boxwood?

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