boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
RHS AGM 1997
USDA zones10 to 12
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green, variegated
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a fern for containers, shade gardens, and accents. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It grows at a rapid rate and keeps its green leaves all year. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Holly fern, Golden pothos, Impatiens, and Japanese aralia.
Native range
Asia, Amur, Khabarovsk, Manchuria, and 1 more places. See all 5
Asia, Amur, Khabarovsk, Manchuria, and Primorye.