Boston Fern vs Impatiens

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

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

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — 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.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

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 Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

View Boston FernProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Impatiens?

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

Are Boston Fern and Impatiens deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Impatiens?

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

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Detailed Comparison

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

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

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 Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Impatiens?

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

Are Boston Fern and Impatiens deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Impatiens?

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