Dudleya spp.
Liveforever
Western North America, chiefly California and Baja California
Overview
Dudleya spp. is a genus of about 40 to 50 succulent perennials in the family Crassulaceae, native to the rocky coasts and inland slopes of western North America, from Oregon south through California and into Baja California and the southwestern deserts. Plants form basal rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves, 2–12 inches (5–30 cm) across, that in many species are coated with a chalky white, powdery wax. From the rosette rises a flowering stalk 4–24 inches (10–60 cm) tall, bearing tubular to star-shaped flowers in yellow, white, red, or pink. The common name liveforever reflects the long life of these plants, some of which persist for decades on cliff faces and outcrops. Many species are adapted to a Mediterranean climate, growing through the cool, wet winter and resting in the dry heat of summer, the reverse of most garden plants. The waxy coating shields the leaves from sun but rubs off easily when handled, leaving lasting marks. Plants store water in their leaves and tolerate long drought, but the same tissue rots in rich or poorly drained soil. Several coastal species have been depleted by illegal collection from the wild.
Native Range
Dudleya spp. is native to western North America, with most species in California and Baja California and others in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Plants grow on coastal bluffs, rocky outcrops, and dry inland slopes.Suggested Uses
Dudleya spp. is grown in rock gardens, dry-stone walls, containers, and coastal plantings in mild, dry climates. The rosettes are used in succulent troughs and green roofs where drainage is sharp. In frost-prone regions plants are kept in pots and overwintered under cover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread2" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, white, red, or pinkFoliage Description
Grey-green, often chalky whiteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Dudleya spp. in full sun or light shade in gritty, sharply drained soil, in containers or on rocky banks. Water through the cool growing season of autumn to spring, and keep plants nearly dry during summer dormancy, when excess water causes rot. Most species are damaged by hard frost and grow outdoors in USDA zones 8 to 11, with a few tolerating colder conditions. The protective wax does not regrow once wiped or washed off, so handled leaves stay marked. Sharp drainage and air movement reduce the rot and fungal problems that follow standing moisture. Plants are slow-growing and long-lived once established.Pruning
Dudleya spp. needs little pruning. Spent flower stalks are cut off after seed drops, and dead outer leaves are pulled from the base of the rosette. Offsets can be separated to start new plants.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons