Boston Fern vs Red Maple

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Aceraceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Red Maple (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Acer rubrum
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Aceraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	3'	70'
Spread	4'	40'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Red Maple

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.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

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 Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to 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 Red MapleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while Red Maple 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 Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Red Maple deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Red Maple?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Acer rubrum
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Aceraceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	3'	70'
Spread	4'	40'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Eastern North America
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.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

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 Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to 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 Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Boston Fern and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Red Maple deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Red Maple?

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