H. ‘Southern Comfort’

Overview

Registered in 1992 by an unknown hybridizer, 'Southern Comfort' is a small variegated hosta with medium green leaf margins and a dull upper surface. Its leaves measure 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) long by 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) wide, with seven pairs of veins and a glossy underside, forming a compact mound 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

This small hosta is suited to partial to full shade, where its variegated foliage provides subtle contrast among darker-leaved perennials such as ferns or heucheras. At maturity, it forms a tidy clump roughly 20 inches across, making it appropriate for the front of a border, rock gardens, or container culture. Its compact size also works well in woodland settings or as an edging plant along shaded pathways.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Southern Comfort' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.