Boston Fern vs Lilac

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

Oleaceae · shrubs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Lilac (Zones 3-7)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Lilac
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Syringa vulgaris
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Oleaceae
Category	ferns	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Neutral to Alkaline
Height	3'	15'
Spread	4'	10'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeastern Europe
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lilac

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.

Lilac

✓Needs winter chill — struggles in warm climates.
✓Prune immediately after flowering.
✓Remove suckers unless you want a colony.
✓Good air circulation prevents mildew.

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 Lilac if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

View Boston FernProfile →View LilacProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Lilac grows in zones 3-7. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Lilac?

Lilac grows taller at 15' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Lilac spreads 10' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Lilac deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Lilac?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Lilac
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Syringa vulgaris
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Oleaceae
Category	ferns	shrubs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Neutral to Alkaline
Height	3'	15'
Spread	4'	10'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Purple, White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeastern Europe
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.

Lilac

✓Needs winter chill — struggles in warm climates.
✓Prune immediately after flowering.
✓Remove suckers unless you want a colony.
✓Good air circulation prevents mildew.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Lilac grows in zones 3-7. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Lilac?

Lilac grows taller at 15' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Lilac spreads 10' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Lilac deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Lilac?

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