Boston Fern vs David Austin Rose

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

David Austin Rose

Rosa 'Graham Thomas'

Rosaceae · flowers

Medium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

David Austin Rose (Zones 5-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	David Austin Rose
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
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'	5'
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Hybrid (England)
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

David Austin 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.

David Austin Rose

✓Prune to shape in late winter.
✓Benefits from regular feeding.
✓Provide good air circulation.
✓Can be trained as a short climber on pillar or wall.

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 David Austin Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–10.

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 David Austin RoseProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while David Austin Rose grows in zones 5-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

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

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while David Austin 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 David Austin Rose?

David Austin Rose grows taller at 5' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. David Austin Rose spreads 4' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and David Austin Rose deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or David Austin Rose?

Both Boston Fern and David Austin 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	David Austin Rose
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
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'	5'
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Hybrid (England)
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.

David Austin Rose

✓Prune to shape in late winter.
✓Benefits from regular feeding.
✓Provide good air circulation.
✓Can be trained as a short climber on pillar or wall.

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 David Austin Rose if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–10.

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 David Austin Rose grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while David Austin Rose grows in zones 5-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

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

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while David Austin 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 David Austin Rose?

David Austin Rose grows taller at 5' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. David Austin Rose spreads 4' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and David Austin Rose deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or David Austin Rose?

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