Boston Fern vs Crepe Myrtle

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Lythraceae · trees

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Crepe Myrtle (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Crepe Myrtle
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Lagerstroemia indica
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lythraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	25'
Spread	4'	15'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Pink, Red, White, Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeast Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Crepe Myrtle

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Boston FernProfile →View Crepe MyrtleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Crepe Myrtle grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Crepe Myrtle?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Crepe Myrtle
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Lagerstroemia indica
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lythraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	25'
Spread	4'	15'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Pink, Red, White, Purple
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.

Crepe Myrtle

✓Don't 'crepe murder' — avoid topping/severe pruning.
✓Thin interior branches for air flow.
✓Full sun is essential for best blooms.
✓Remove suckers at base.

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 Crepe Myrtle if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Crepe Myrtle grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Crepe Myrtle?

Crepe Myrtle grows taller at 25' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Crepe Myrtle spreads 15' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Crepe Myrtle deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Crepe Myrtle?

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