Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Botanical Name
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
Plant Common Name
Boston Fern, Boston Swordfern
General Description
A common, old-fashioned plant for containers and hanging baskets, Boston fern is easy to grow and tolerant or summer warmth and humidity.
This large, evergreen to semi-evergreen fern originates from regions in Mexico, Central and South America. The cultivar ‘Bostoniensis’ has dense, arching, lance-shaped fronds of medium green that are broader than the standard species. When mature it develops a distinct mop-like weeping habit.
Like most ferns, Boston fern grows best in full to partial shade and organic-rich soil with regular moisture. Where hardy, it may be planted in mixed borders or foundation plantings. In temperate climates container grown plants may be brought indoors to overwinter. Plants spread slowly by fleshy, underground rhizomes and require regular division—particularly if container grown.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Fern
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
-
Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
-
Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Native To
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, Africa, Middle Africa, Polynesia
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
None
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Edging, Foundation, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
