Perennials

Athyrium 'Godzilla'

Godzilla giant painted fern

Athyrium 'Godzilla'. Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

A large arching fern with silver-green fronds and purple stems. Allow a generous patch of moist shade for its expanding clump. Grow in moist, humus-rich soil, neutral to slightly acidic.

At a glance

Sun: Part shade to full shade
Mature size: 3 ft. tall × 4–6 ft. wide
Water: Moist, loamy soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
Bloom: None; grown for fronds.

Sizes & prices

#1$18.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Rabbits: Resistant, not browse-proof.
Drought: Keep soil moist, especially while establishing.
Wet soil: Moist garden soil preferred; not a standing-water planting.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Silver with green highlights and dark stems.
Form: Large, slowly spreading clump.

Growing & care

Winter: Leave old fronds to protect the crown; remove as new growth develops.
Division: Divide in spring when needed.

Sources & photo credits

Walters Gardens

Photo: Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc. · Authorized promotional use

Reviewed September 19, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.