A mature Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Accent · Container · Hanging basket · Houseplant · Poolside · Small space · Shade

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata · Perennial

Boston Fern is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 10-12, that matures to about 2–3 ft × 2–3 ft. It does best in part shade with medium water needs in well-drained soil. It stands up well to deer and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones: 10-12
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 2–3 ft × 2–3 ft
Spacing: 12 in-3 ft
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained
Foliage: Yellow, Green, Variegated
Tough against: Deer
Native to: Pantropical

Will it survive your winters?

We score Boston Fern’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 10 · Zone 11