Boston Fern vs Water Lily

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

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Water Lily

Nymphaea spp.

Nymphaeaceae · aquatic

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Water Lily (Zones 3-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	ferns	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	3'	6"
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Water 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.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

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 Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Boston FernProfile →View Water LilyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Water Lily?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Water Lily at 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

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

Both Boston Fern and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Water Lily
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Nymphaea spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Nymphaeaceae
Category	ferns	aquatic
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧 Aquatic
Soil	Rich, Moist	Pond/Water garden
Height	3'	6"
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Pink, Yellow, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	Worldwide
Maintenance	Medium	Medium

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.

Water Lily

✓Plant in containers submerged 12-18 inches deep.
✓Needs 6+ hours of direct sun.
✓Fertilize monthly during growing season.
✓Divide when crowded.

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 Water Lily if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with aquatic water in zones 3–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Water Lily?

Boston Fern grows taller at 3' compared to Water Lily at 6". Boston Fern spreads 4' while Water Lily spreads 4'.

Are Boston Fern and Water Lily deer resistant?

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

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

Both Boston Fern and Water Lily have medium maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.