Boston Fern vs Dogwood

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Dogwood

Cornus florida

Cornaceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Dogwood (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Dogwood
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Cornus florida
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Cornaceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	3'	30'
Spread	4'	30'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Dogwood

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.

Dogwood

✓Plant in part shade with morning sun.
✓Needs acidic, well-drained soil.
✓Susceptible to anthracnose — maintain good air circulation.
✓Don't wound the trunk.

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 Dogwood if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

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 DogwoodProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Dogwood grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Dogwood?

Dogwood grows taller at 30' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Dogwood spreads 30' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Dogwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Dogwood?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Dogwood
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Cornus florida
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Cornaceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	3'	30'
Spread	4'	30'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Eastern 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.

Dogwood

✓Plant in part shade with morning sun.
✓Needs acidic, well-drained soil.
✓Susceptible to anthracnose — maintain good air circulation.
✓Don't wound the trunk.

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 Dogwood if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

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 Dogwood grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Dogwood grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Dogwood?

Dogwood grows taller at 30' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Dogwood spreads 30' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Dogwood deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Dogwood?

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