Boston Fern vs Coleus

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Lamiaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Coleus (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Coleus
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Coleus scutellarioides
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	2'
Spread	4'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Blue (insignificant)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Coleus

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.

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

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 Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Boston FernProfile →View ColeusProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Coleus grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Coleus?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Coleus at 2'. Boston Fern spreads 4' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Boston Fern and Coleus deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Coleus?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Coleus
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Coleus scutellarioides
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	2'
Spread	4'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Blue (insignificant)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

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.

Coleus

✓Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth.
✓Modern varieties are more sun tolerant.
✓Root cuttings easily in water.
✓Pinch growing tips for bushy form.
✓Bring indoors as houseplant.

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 Coleus if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Coleus grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Coleus?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Coleus at 2'. Boston Fern spreads 4' while Coleus spreads 1' 6".

Are Boston Fern and Coleus deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Coleus?

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