Boston Fern vs Coral Bells

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Coral Bells

Heuchera spp.

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Coral Bells (Zones 4-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Coral Bells
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Heuchera spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Saxifragaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Spring
Bloom Color	None	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Coral Bells

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.

Coral Bells

✓Plant crown at soil level — not too deep.
✓Heaving in winter can expose roots — mulch well.
✓Many cultivars for sun or shade.
✓Excellent container plant.

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 Coral Bells if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 Coral BellsProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Coral Bells grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Coral Bells grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Coral Bells have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Coral Bells?

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

Are Boston Fern and Coral Bells deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Coral Bells?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Coral Bells
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Heuchera spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Saxifragaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Spring
Bloom Color	None	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	North America
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.

Coral Bells

✓Plant crown at soil level — not too deep.
✓Heaving in winter can expose roots — mulch well.
✓Many cultivars for sun or shade.
✓Excellent container plant.

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 Coral Bells if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

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 Coral Bells grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Coral Bells grows in zones 4-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Coral Bells have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Coral Bells?

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

Are Boston Fern and Coral Bells deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Coral Bells?

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