Boston Fern vs Mint

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Mint

Mentha × piperita

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Mint (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Mint
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Mentha × piperita
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	ferns	herbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	3'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Europe
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Mint

Yes — 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.

Mint

✓ALWAYS grow in containers or with buried barriers — mint is extremely invasive.
✓Harvest frequently to keep bushy.
✓Thrives in moist shade.
✓Many varieties: chocolate, apple, pineapple.

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 Mint if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 MintProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Mint grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Mint?

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

Are Boston Fern and Mint deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Mint?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Mint
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Mentha × piperita
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Lamiaceae
Category	ferns	herbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	1' 6"
Spread	4'	3'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	Purple
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	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.

Mint

✓ALWAYS grow in containers or with buried barriers — mint is extremely invasive.
✓Harvest frequently to keep bushy.
✓Thrives in moist shade.
✓Many varieties: chocolate, apple, pineapple.

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 Mint if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

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 Mint grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Mint grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Mint?

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

Are Boston Fern and Mint deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Mint?

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