giant Japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Godzilla' Type:perennials Notable Traits:cutting garden plantsstriking foliagetolerant of black walnut Hardiness:Zone 3 – 8 Mature Height:24-36in Light:part to full shade (4 hours or less sun)shade (northern exposure) Water:requires regular watering Foliage:greensilver Description This is Japanese painted fern on steroids! Discovered in the 90s, this giant painted fern will form a mass of arching silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems when planted in a shady border.