Eastern Redbud vs Japanese Painted Fern

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

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Fabaceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum

Athyriaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Eastern Redbud (Zones 4-9)

Japanese Painted Fern (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Eastern Redbud	Japanese Painted Fern
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Athyrium niponicum
Family	Fabaceae	Athyriaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	30'	1' 6"
Spread	30'	2'
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Japan, East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Eastern Redbud

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Japanese Painted Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Eastern Redbud if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

Choose Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Eastern RedbudProfile →View Japanese Painted FernProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eastern Redbud and Japanese Painted Fern grow in the same hardiness zone?

Eastern Redbud grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Japanese Painted Fern grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Eastern Redbud and Japanese Painted Fern have the same sun and water needs?

Eastern Redbud needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Japanese Painted Fern needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Eastern Redbud or Japanese Painted Fern?

Eastern Redbud grows taller at 30' compared to Japanese Painted Fern at 1' 6". Eastern Redbud spreads 30' while Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2'.

Are Eastern Redbud and Japanese Painted Fern deer resistant?

Yes, both Eastern Redbud and Japanese Painted Fern are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Eastern Redbud or Japanese Painted Fern?

Both Eastern Redbud and Japanese Painted Fern have low 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	Eastern Redbud	Japanese Painted Fern
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Athyrium niponicum
Family	Fabaceae	Athyriaceae
Category	trees	ferns
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	30'	1' 6"
Spread	30'	2'
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Non-flowering
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	None
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Japan, East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.