Boston Fern vs Climbing Rose

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Climbing Rose

Rosa 'New Dawn'

Rosaceae · flowers

Medium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Climbing Rose (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Climbing Rose
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Rosa 'New Dawn'
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Rosaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	4'	10'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Hybrid (US)
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Climbing Rose

No — EdibleNo — 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.

Climbing Rose

✓Train canes horizontally for maximum bloom.
✓Prune after main flush.
✓Provide strong support — trellis or arbor.
✓Flowers on lateral shoots from old canes.

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 Climbing Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

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

View Boston FernProfile →View Climbing RoseProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Climbing Rose grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Climbing Rose grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Climbing Rose have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Climbing Rose?

Climbing Rose grows taller at 20' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Climbing Rose spreads 10' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Climbing Rose deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Climbing Rose is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Climbing Rose with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Climbing Rose?

Both Boston Fern and Climbing Rose 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	Climbing Rose
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Rosa 'New Dawn'
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Rosaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	4'	10'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Hybrid (US)
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.

Climbing Rose

✓Train canes horizontally for maximum bloom.
✓Prune after main flush.
✓Provide strong support — trellis or arbor.
✓Flowers on lateral shoots from old canes.

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 Climbing Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

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 Boston Fern and Climbing Rose grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Climbing Rose grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Climbing Rose have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Climbing Rose?

Climbing Rose grows taller at 20' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Climbing Rose spreads 10' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Climbing Rose deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Climbing Rose is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Climbing Rose with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Climbing Rose?

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