This is not a Hosta, or even in the Hosta family, but it should be considered as a replacement alternative to Hostas in Texas. African Hostas' leaves are fleshy oblong-ovate, medium green with dark maroon spots. The spots appear on the young new growth and only last through the spring and into the early summer when they disappear into the green of the leaves. I believe that the thick glossy leaves tend to repel slugs and snails. I have had some small damage to some of my leaves, but nothing compared to what the slugs and snails do to real Hosta plants.
This wonderful bulb’s homeland is the semi-arid areas of South Africa, which will make this bulb tolerate tons of heat and drought that Texas is known to have almost every summer. If that is not good enough for you how, about all the different places you can plant it in: part sun, light shade, or even dark shade, this is a very forgiving plant.
The book on this plant is 1’h x 1’w Zones 8-10, or colder climates if grown in pots. I would plant the bulb deep enough to cover it completely. Make sure the bulb is covered in the winter, it does not like frosts or sever weather. The bulbs are fleshy, and have large visible scales that look like a lily. In May or June you will get a flower stalk 6-12 “ tall with small white flowers that turn to pale green with age. If properly planted and mulched it will return every year. As the bulb returns, it will form clumps, and these clumps should be separated every few years or so. Rich, humusy, organic soil will make this plant multiply like rabbits. This plant needs well-drained soil; it does not like wet feet. Moderate to casual watering is all that is needed to keep this plant looking at its best. I will have just a few of these bulbs at the AOGC plant sale in June. Try it out; you will like this bulb.
Happy Organic Gardening!