Boston Fern vs Delphinium

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Delphinium
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Delphinium elatum
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Ranunculaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	4'	2'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Early Summer
Bloom Color	None	Blue, Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Medium	High

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Delphinium

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.

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

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 Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

View Boston FernProfile →View DelphiniumProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Delphinium grows in zones 3-7. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Delphinium?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Delphinium deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Delphinium?

Boston Fern has medium maintenance while Delphinium has high maintenance. Boston Fern may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Delphinium
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Delphinium elatum
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Ranunculaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	4'	2'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Early Summer
Bloom Color	None	Blue, Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Medium	High

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.

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Delphinium grows in zones 3-7. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Delphinium?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Delphinium deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Delphinium?

Boston Fern has medium maintenance while Delphinium has high maintenance. Boston Fern may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.