Boston Fern vs Gerbera Daisy

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Gerbera Daisy (Zones 8-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Gerbera jamesonii
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asteraceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	South Africa
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Gerbera Daisy

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.

Gerbera Daisy

✓Crown rot is the biggest killer — plant high with crown above soil level.
✓Excellent container plant.
✓Remove spent stems at base.
✓Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

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 Gerbera Daisy if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 8–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Boston FernProfile →View Gerbera DaisyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Gerbera Daisy grows in zones 8-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Gerbera Daisy?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Gerbera Daisy at 1' 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Gerbera Daisy spreads 1'.

Are Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Gerbera Daisy?

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

Explore More Data Tools

For adjacent public-data tools, methodology notes, and network updates, visit DataPeek Facts.

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Gerbera Daisy
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Gerbera jamesonii
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asteraceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	None	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	South Africa
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.

Gerbera Daisy

✓Crown rot is the biggest killer — plant high with crown above soil level.
✓Excellent container plant.
✓Remove spent stems at base.
✓Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

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 Gerbera Daisy if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 8–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Gerbera Daisy grows in zones 8-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 11.

Do Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Gerbera Daisy?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Gerbera Daisy at 1' 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Gerbera Daisy spreads 1'.

Are Boston Fern and Gerbera Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Gerbera Daisy?

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