Boston Fern vs Fountain Grass

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Poaceae
Category	ferns	grasses
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	4'	3'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fountain Grass

No — 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.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

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 Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun 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 Fountain GrassProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Fountain Grass?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Fountain Grass?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Poaceae
Category	ferns	grasses
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	4'	3'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Asia, Australia
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.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

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 Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun 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 Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Fountain Grass?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Fountain Grass?

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