Athyrium 'Godzilla'

Common Name: Giant Japanese Painted Fern

Like Athyrium n. ‘Pictum’ on steroids, this giant painted fern was discovered at Plant Delights Nursery in the mid-90s and is thought to be a sporeling of ‘Pictum’ and the Lady Fern.

It forms a massive, arching clump of silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems. Like the Lady Fern, ‘Godzilla’ spreads slowly where it is happiest in moist, loamy soils.

Grow this fern as a low maintenance filler in shady borders combined with large hostas and Aralia ‘Sun King’.

Height:

3.0 Feet

Spread:

4.0-6.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Foliage Color:

Green shades Silver/grey shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Asian Eclectic Formal Modern Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Foliage Attractive Foliage

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Athyrium grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Partial to full shade is best. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.

Characteristics