Ledebouria Petiolata J.C
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Ledebouria petiolata J.C. Manning, P. Goldblatt, & M.F. Fay African Hosta (Drimiopsis maculata, Drimiopsis minor, Scillia schlechteri) Other Common Names: African False Hosta, Little White Soldiers. Family: Currently arguments are being made for the genus' inclusion in a wider interpretation of the family Asparagaceae, however more traditionally it has been placed in the Hyacinthaceae or Liliaceae. Cold Hardiness: Cold hardiness is not fully defined, plants survived exposure to 18°F with some dieback, but recovered quickly; L. petiolata is probably useful in USDA zones 9 (8) to 13 as an evergreen, but can probably be used into zone 7 as a deciduous bulb. Foliage: Tight clusters of oblong-ovate leaves arise from the bulbs; leaves have irregularly undulate margins and are thickened and fleshy in texture; bases are cordate, tips long acute to acuminate, and petioles are stout with small wing-like margins; the specific epithet likely refers to these prominent petioles; the medium to dark green leaves are blotched with translucent dark green to dark purplish ink-blot like irregular variegations, hence the former specific epithet of maculata. Flower: Flowers of this species are interesting if not spectacular; they resemble in overall shape and effect a white to greenish white version of an elongated Muscari-like raceme but held much higher above the foliage on an elongated reddish flushed petiole; individual flowers have an inverted urn to bell shape and can be mildly showy; bloom occurs mostly in spring in our region, but can occur sporadically as temperatures permit in more tropical locations. Fruit: Tiny seed are black, not ornamental, and deadheading spent inflorescences improves foliage affects. Stem / Bark: Stems — a rosette of leaves arising directly from the underground bulbs; Buds — buried tightly within the rosette of foliage; Bark — not applicable. Habit: Plants persist as slowly expanding clusters of bulbs with tight rosettes of evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage; foliage is 4 to 6 tall with flower stalks 8 to 12 high; bulbs can reportedly reach 2 in diameter; the overall texture is medium to medium-coarse, but pleasantly so; growth is slow and plants should be place on close spacings to fill in an area in a reasonable time frame. Cultural Requirements: Fairly new to our regional landscape trade, this taxon's cultural requirements are not fully defined, but it appears to perform well in a variety of soil types including those that tend to be less than perfectly well drained; growth is best in shade, but with good quality irrigation water plants tolerate some sun; growth is slow, so good garden conditions favoring growth are desirable; periodic division of the clumps of bulbs may be necessary over time; plants are heat and shade adapted and tolerate some salts in the irrigation water; L. petiolata is soil pH adaptable, but requires regular irrigation in drier sites. Pathological Problems: Slugs, snails and other pests associated with shady moist environments can be occasional problems; avoid permanently saturated soils, but plants tolerate less than perfect drainage for short periods of time and prefer moist soils. Ornamental Assets: Handsome almost succulent-like foliage resembles a miniature version of a Hosta; excellent shade and heat tolerance allow use in a variety of locations. Limitations & Liabilities: Cold it is the primary limitation for this taxon and growth is much better in shade than sun; slow growth can limit larger scale applications as a groundcover. Landscape Utilization: After over ten years of observing this taxon, I am becoming more impressed with its potential as a small scale groundcover for the southern half of Texas and as a pocket accent in mixed shade borders, rock gardens, and woodland paths; it also performs admirably in containers and offers numerous opportunities for shaded porches, patios, entryways, or even in higher light interiorscapes; it needs to become more readily available to gardeners in our region. Other Comments: This genus was recently moved on the basis of molecular DNA analysis from the genus Drimiopsis Lindl. and Paxton in the Hyacinthaceae or Liliaceae to a broader interpretation of the family Aparagaceae; it is still much more commonly recognized by the old species combination than the newer name; time will tell if this new classification persists; regardless of the taxonomic classification followed this is an excellent up-and-coming genus of plants for use as small scale shade groundcovers or accents; the genus name honors a 19th century German-Estonian botanist by the name of Carl Friedrich von Ledebour who was a Professor at the University of Tartu. Native Habitat: Southern and Eastern Africa. Related Taxa: Although this genus is confused taxonomically, there several species which might offer potential for our regional landscapes. Ledebouria botryoides (Baker) J.C. Manning, P. Goldblatt, & M.F. Fay Giant Squill (Drimiopsis botroides, Drimiopsis kirkii) • Also known as Measles Leaf, this taxon offers a similar landscape bulb as with L. petiolata, but a bit more diminutive, with narrower leaves originating in a dense cluster from the bulbs; the attractive dark and light green mottled variegation on the leaves manifests itself in more or less horizontal bands, creating a pleasing overall appearance; the white and green racemes vaguely resemble those of Muscari botryoides, but are not nearly as attractive and are held on longish spindly stalks above the foliage in mid to late spring; frankly the plants are probably more attractive when not in flower. • Ledebouria botryoides may be slightly less cold tolerant than L. petiolta but this has not been thoroughly tested; plants have persisted for in College Station under 55% shade for several years, but were severely damaged by 18°F and were slow to recover; foliage is typically 4 to 6 tall with inflorescences 6 to 8 tall; although definitely worth planting, Ledebouria botryoides was not as vigorous at the Texas A&M University Horticultural Gardens as L. petiolata. References: Manning et al., 2004. Copyright 2013 by Michael A. Arnold with all rights reserved; intended for future inclusion in Landscape Plants For Texas And Environs, Fourth Edition. .