Boston Fern vs Oriental Lily

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Oriental Lily

Lilium orientalis

Liliaceae · bulbs

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Oriental Lily (Zones 4-8)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Oriental Lily
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Lilium orientalis
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Liliaceae
Category	ferns	bulbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Japan
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Oriental Lily

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.

Oriental Lily

✓Plant 8 inches deep.
✓Need acidic soil — add sulfur if needed.
✓Excellent cut flowers.
✓Protect from lily leaf beetle.
✓Toxic to cats.

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 Oriental Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

View Boston FernProfile →View Oriental LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Oriental Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Oriental Lily grows in zones 4-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Boston Fern and Oriental Lily have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Oriental Lily?

Oriental Lily grows taller at 4' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Oriental Lily spreads 1' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Oriental Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Oriental Lily?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Oriental Lily
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Lilium orientalis
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Liliaceae
Category	ferns	bulbs
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Acidic, Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	4'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Japan
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.

Oriental Lily

✓Plant 8 inches deep.
✓Need acidic soil — add sulfur if needed.
✓Excellent cut flowers.
✓Protect from lily leaf beetle.
✓Toxic to cats.

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 Oriental Lily if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Oriental Lily grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Oriental Lily grows in zones 4-8. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Boston Fern and Oriental Lily have the same sun and water needs?

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Oriental Lily?

Oriental Lily grows taller at 4' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Oriental Lily spreads 1' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Oriental Lily deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Oriental Lily?

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