Boston Fern vs Southern Magnolia

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnoliaceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Southern Magnolia (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–10

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Southern Magnolia
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Magnolia grandiflora
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Magnoliaceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	3'	80'
Spread	4'	40'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	None	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeastern US
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Southern Magnolia

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.

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Boston FernProfile →View Southern MagnoliaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Southern Magnolia grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia have the same sun and water needs?

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while Southern Magnolia 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 Southern Magnolia?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Southern Magnolia?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Southern Magnolia
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Magnolia grandiflora
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Magnoliaceae
Category	ferns	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained, Acidic
Height	3'	80'
Spread	4'	40'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	None	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Southeastern US
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.

Southern Magnolia

✓Protect from winter winds in northern range.
✓Give space for lower branches to sweep the ground.
✓Leaves are slow to decompose.
✓Large seed pods with red seeds.

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 Southern Magnolia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–10. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Southern Magnolia grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 10.

Do Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia have the same sun and water needs?

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Southern Magnolia?

Southern Magnolia grows taller at 80' compared to Boston Fern at 3'. Southern Magnolia spreads 40' while Boston Fern spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Southern Magnolia deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Southern Magnolia?

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