Southern Comfort Coral Bell

The 'Southern Comfort' coral bell (Heuchera 'Southern Comfort') is a hybrid perennial known for its large, distinctive cinnamon-peach to amber-hued foliage and ability to thrive in heat and humidity. 

Key Characteristics

• Foliage: The primary feature is its large, lobed leaves (up to 9 inches wide) that emerge a warm cinnamon-peach and mature to a rich burnished copper or amber. The color retention is impressive throughout the growing season.
• Flowers: In late summer to fall, airy spikes of tiny, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers rise up to 2 feet above the foliage mound, which are known to attract hummingbirds.
• Size: It typically forms a basal clump of foliage about 14 inches tall and up to 24 inches wide at maturity, with flower stalks extending higher.
• Hardiness Zone: It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
• Uses: It is well-suited for mass plantings, borders, rock/alpine gardens, and container gardening. 
  

Growing and Care Tips

• Light: The plant performs well in part sun to full shade, especially requiring protection from the intense afternoon sun in hot southern locations to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: It thrives in organically rich, humusy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Good drainage is crucial, especially in winter, to prevent root rot.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to establish the root system. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during dry spells. Water the plant at the base in the morning to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
• Maintenance: Remove faded flower stalks after blooming to encourage new growth. Apply a layer of mulch in late fall to prevent the roots from "heaving" out of the ground during winter freeze-thaw cycles. Faded or damaged leaves can be trimmed in early spring.