Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Nephrolepis exaltata
Nephrolepidaceae · ferns
Coriandrum sativum
Apiaceae · herbs
Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)
Cilantro/Coriander (Zones 2-11)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11
| Feature | Boston Fern | Cilantro/Coriander |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis exaltata | Coriandrum sativum |
| Family | Nephrolepidaceae | Apiaceae |
| Category | ferns | herbs |
| Sun | ⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade | ☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water | 💧💧💧 High | 💧💧 Medium |
| Soil | Rich, Moist | Well-drained |
| Height | 3' | 2' |
| Spread | 4' | 8" |
| Bloom Season | Non-flowering | Spring-Summer |
| Bloom Color | None | White, Pink |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Native Region | Tropical Americas | Mediterranean, Western Asia |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
Boston Fern
Cilantro/Coriander
Boston Fern
Cilantro/Coriander
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 Cilantro/Coriander if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.
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