Comparing Boston Fern varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Boston Fern family and have some observations to share. dramatic unfurling fiddle-head growth in spring varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — misting the fronds in dry centrally heated rooms applies across all of them.

crown death from frost on tender varieties affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a hanging basket in a cool bathroom which works well for most varieties. frond dieback in winter for deciduous species is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.