Boston Fern vs Fig Tree

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Ficus carica
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Moraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	4'	20'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Mediterranean, Western Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fig Tree

Yes — 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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree 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 Fig TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Fig Tree?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Ficus carica
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Moraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	4'	20'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Mediterranean, Western 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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree 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 Fig Tree grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Fig Tree have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Fig Tree?

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