Boston Fern vs Daisy

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Daisy

Bellis perennis

Asteraceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Daisy (Zones 4-8)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Daisy
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Bellis perennis
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asteraceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	6"
Spread	4'	8"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Daisy

Yes — 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.

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

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 Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

View Boston FernProfile →View DaisyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Daisy grows in zones 4-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Daisy?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Daisy at 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Boston Fern and Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Daisy?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Daisy
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Bellis perennis
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asteraceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	6"
Spread	4'	8"
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
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.

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

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 Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Daisy grows in zones 4-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Daisy?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Daisy at 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Boston Fern and Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Daisy?

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