More Related Content Similar to Delightful Dudleyas 2012 (20) Delightful Dudleyas 20121. Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants
Project SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
© Project SOUND
2. Delightful Dudleyas
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
March 3 & 6, 2012
© Project SOUND
3. We already know that California (and
Baja California) plants are special…
Our Mediterranean climate requires that
plants adapt to summer drought.
One common adaptations is succulence.
Modified tissues store large amounts of
water, making the plant part appear
fleshy, succulent, or swollen.
Species in various plant families and
genera have independently evolved
succulence as a mechanism for conserving
water and survival in arid environments.
There are an estimated 10,000 succulent
plant species throughout the world
© Project SOUND
4. The Live-forevers: genus Dudleya
Named for William Russel Dudley (1849-
1911), first professor of botany and head
of the Botany Department at Stanford
University
~ 40 species; native to the arid western
United States (in particular, Southwest/
Northern California and Oregon), Baja
California.
Very similar in appearance to other
Stonecrops (sempervivum; sedum;
echeveria).
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Rus
sell_Dudley_(1849-1911).jpg
Often grow in stone crevasses or sand
dunes with little or no organic soil.
Long-lived (to 100+ years for some
species) hence the common name
© Project SOUND
5. The Stonecrop Family: Crassulaceae
~ 1500 species
Most genera exhibit some leaf succulence
Many species are used widely as garden and
house plants Examples:
The genus Crassula includes the well-known Jade
http://www.southampton.bcss.org.uk/images/image145.jpg Plants and other small sub-shrubs, choice
minatures and mat-forming plants.
Echeverias
Cotyledon includes interesting shrubby species
with succulent stems and leaves. Some species
have showy tubular yellow, orange or red flowers.
Echeverias are often used in rock gardens and
indoor plants.
Kalanchoe includes plants with showy flowers.
Sedums are well known for hardy mat-forming
Stonecrops which provides useful flower color in
the garden in late summer and early autumn.
Kalanchoe http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/02/sedum_spathulifolium.php © Project SOUND
6. Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)
Found in 3-4% of plant species;
at least 26 angiosperm families
Nearly all are “succulents”
(thick, fleshy leaves and
stems)
Nearly all are from deserts or
other hot-summer areas
Is an extremely important
water-conservation strategy
for plants in hot, dry climates
7. All plants have the ability to convert
carbon dioxide to sugars, using
energy from the sun
The process of photosythesis
© Project SOUND
8. Gases and water vapor enter and exit
plants through stomata
© Project SOUND
9. CAM - observations
Stomates - open at
night; closed during
day (inverted stomatal
cycle)
CO2 uptake – high at
night; low during day
Acid content of cells –
highest at dawn; lowest
at dusk
Conclusion: CAM plants
store Carbon as an acid
at night
10. CAM plants like Dudleyas are adapted to
hot, dry climates
Dudleyas only open their stomata at night to take up
carbon dioxide. They keep their stomata closed during
the hot days, allowing the plant to conserve tremendous
amounts of water
The plant assimilates the carbon dioxide at night and
converts it to a variety of organic acids. In the
morning when the stomata close, the organic acids break
down and carbon dioxide is released.
With the energy of the new days sun light, the plant
converts the carbon dioxide it has been accumulating
all night into sugars.
Before being permanent CAM photosynthesizers, CAMs
were probably started intermittently switching to CAM
photosynthesis during times of drought and low rainfall.
Eventually those species evolved into species that solely
depended on CAM photosynthesis
© Project SOUND
11. Dudleyas can be used in several ways in
the home garden
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2318/
© Project SOUND
12. In terms of their garden potential, you can
think of Dudleyas as belonging to one of
three categories
The Dudleya divas
Often larger in size
Showy (exuberant) flowers
Very attractive foliage
The groundcover Dudleyas
Medium to small size
Readily spread, forming a mat
The ‘Pretty in a Pot’ Dudleyas
Medium to small size
Unique flowers or foliage
© Project SOUND
13. Dudleya divas – showy accent plants
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm
© Project SOUND
14. Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm
© Project SOUND
15. Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta
Coastal regions from
San Luis Obispo south
into Baja
Locally in Santa Monica
Mtns., western San
Gabriels
Rocky cliffs and
canyons below 3000
feet
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3327,3329
Coastal sage scrub,
chaparral
© Project SOUND
16. Chalk Dudleya is very Echeveria-like
Size:
1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide (flower stalks wider)
Growth form:
Evergreen succulent
Becomes somewhat dry in
summer
Foliage:
Leaves flat, end in sharp tips
completely covered with a mealy
white powder - hence
"pulverulenta" or "powdery."
Stem (caudex) becomes
thickened with age – more so
than other species
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DUPU
© Project SOUND
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=1536&account=none
17. Taxonomic confusion: is that an
Echeveria or a Dudleya?
http://www.collectorscorner.com.au/Cacti/Echeveri
a%20main.htm
Echeveria Dudleya
Quite similar-looking; but with a few important differences
Several local species were formerly included in Echeveria:
Canyon Live-forever – Dudleya cymosa
Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta
Ladyfinger Dudleya – Dudleya edulis
© Project SOUND
18. Dudleya flowers are slightly different
Dudleya flowers arise from somewhere near the bottom of
the rosettes normally (rarely from the rosette center as
most Echeveria flowers do).
Dudleyas & Echeverias do not form hybrids between the 2
genera; Dudleyas only interbreed with other Dudleyas
© Project SOUND
19. But the real difference – and the most important for
gardeners – relates to their history
Dudleyas
Native to the ‘Pacific Plate’
Adapted to rainy winters & hot, dry
summers
Winter-growing; summer dormant
Can kill them with too much summer
water
Echeverias
Native to the ‘North American Plate’
Adapted to rainy summers & dry winters
Summer growing; winter dormant
Can kill them with too much winter water
The two genera have been separated for long
enough that each is very well adapted to its
own environment
© Project SOUND
20. So…it’s recommended to NOT combine both in
the same part of the garden
Summer watering of Dudleyas
should be very occasional: they are
very summer ‘water-wise’ compared
to Echeverias
Most Dudleyas & Echeverias do best in
well-drained soils; gravelly/sandy
Dudleya virens ssp hassei
The roots of some Dudleya species do
not absorb moisture well in the high
heat; water simply rots the roots
(susceptible to root rot fungi).
Treat as Zone 1-2 (water only several
times a summer & not at summer’s end)
Dudleyas in very well-drained soils
(sandy) or in pots should be treated as
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.as
Zone 2 © Project SOUND
p?plant_id=538
21. Dudleyas can also rot from the
crown or leaves, particularly if
water is left sitting on the delicate
leaves (some are more sensitive
than others).
Dudleya virens ssp hassei Either avoid getting water on the
leaves, or plant them at an angle so the
water runs off.
In nature, many species grow naturally
on cliff faces and steep slopes so
water cannot sit on these plants.
Excess water also attracts snails and
slugs – which love Dudleyas
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.as
p?plant_id=538
Bottom line: best to not combine Dudleyas with succulents that have
very different water requirements (Echeverias; Sedums; etc.) SOUND
© Project
22. Give them what
they like…
Plant them in/near rocks
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241664905/ Naturally occurring
Local boulders brought in to
Dudleya pulverulenta
add interest
Plant them on slopes – or
plant the rosette at an angle
rather than horizontal
Water only occasionally
during summer – Zone 1-2
about right
No overhead water in
summer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93452909@N00/191287029/
D. virens ssp. hassei © Project SOUND
23. Flowers are like no
others: dramatic!
Blooms: spring/early
summer; typical for
Dudleyas
Flowers:
On long flowering stalks –
plan accordingly
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2606066487_0aaaf1ed09.jpg?v=0
Note hummingbird-plant
features:
Red color;
Shape;
Flowers held away from
plant to allow access
Heavy duty, sweet
nectar
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/Anna%27s_Hummingbird_on_chalk_dudlea.jpg
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyc5.htm © Project SOUND
24. Be creative with rocks
& Dudleyas
Sometimes man-made stone
structures are perfect places
for Dudleyas
http://img4.sunset.com/i/2009/04/dream-gardens-stone-seat-l.jpg
http://www.marrsandersen.com/California-plants/California-
plants-Pages/Image28.html © Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241665013/in/photostream/
25. * Silver Dollar Plant - Dudleya brittonii
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1509
© Project SOUND
26. Silver Dollar Plant - Dudleya brittonii
Native coastal areas of the
Pacific side of Baja California
between Tijuana & Ensenada
and on Isla Todos Santos
On cliffs and hilly areas in
lava rock and other very
porous soils.
http://home.comcast.net/~ldecola/baja/
http://www.yacht-transport.com/page/autumn2009/Oregon.html
© Project SOUND
27. Nathaniel Lord Britton
the specific epithet honors
Nathaniel Lord Britton
(1859-1934), botanist and
first Director of the New
York Botanical Garden. Dr.
Britton is also famous for
his collaboration with
Joseph Nelson Rose of the
Carnegie Institute on The
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~alroy/lefa
/Britton.html
Cactaceae, a four-volume
work started in 1906 and
published in 1924.
http://sabrinacampagna.tumblr.com/post/2675832454/the-cactaceae-vol-4-descriptions-and © Project SOUND
28. Silver Dollar Dudleya –
a larger dudleya
Size:
1+ ft tall
1-2 ft wide
http://www.bambooandmore.info/2011_10_02_archive.html
Growth form:
Basal rosette – stem (caudex) is very
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Dudleya-brittonii/
short, so leaves are bunched up
40 to 100 leaves, each up to 10
inches long
Often solitary – not spreading
Moderate lifespan – 30+ years
Foliage:
Green or (more commonly in trade)
very blue-white
Leaves flattened
© Project SOUND
http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2010/10/18/my-new-natives/
29. Why are some Dudleyas so white?
Why?
Protection against sun damage
Water conservation
How?
Leaves are covered with a dusty,
http://www.arthurleej.com/p-o-m-Jan11.html
chalky, mealy white epicuticular
“wax”.
The wax in its mealy state on the
leaves is attracted to water and
coats drops on the leaves and
prevents their evaporation.
The wax has the highest
measured ultraviolet reflectivity
of any plant.
http://image54.webshots.com/154/5/90/28/539959028nsjBLY_fs.jpg
© Project SOUND
30. Flowers are fantastic
Blooms: in spring – usually
Apr-June in our area
Flowers:
Pale yellow
Stout flowering stem and
bracts are pastel pink
(worthy of a diva); beautiful
contrast with foliage
Attract hummingbirds
Seeds:
Dry capsules split open when
seeds are ripe
Seeds are tiny, many
http://www.xericworld.com/forums/members/kelly-griffin-albums-dudleya-picture1145-dudleya-
brittonii-la-mission.html © Project SOUND
http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/crassulaceae/dudleya.html
31. Soils:
Plant Requirements Texture: well-drained
pH: any local
Light:
Afternoon shade
Dappled shade
Water:
Winter: needs normal amount
Summer: best with
infrequent summer water –
Zone 1-2; no overhead water
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other:
http://www.scientificlib.com/en/Biology/Plants/Magnoliophyta/DudleyaBrittonii01.html
tolerates garden conditions
better than the similar looking
Dudleya pulverulenta
© Project SOUND
32. Give the diva a proper stage!
In a Baja-themed garden,
with it’s natural associates
In a rock or gravel garden –
be sure to consider contrasts
Often grown as a specimen
plant in a large container
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/amarguy/3949915856/
http://www.hotgardens.net/cactus%20and%20succulents%20at%20huntington%20desert
%20garden.htm © Project SOUND
http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
33. Designing with diva dudleyas
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gXhU4_V-Hhg78Lwpg9OOZQ
Accent plants whether
alone or interplanted
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iiUK9e2RW16pM8msvsmB4g
© Project SOUND
34. Use contrast to show divas in their best light
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/dudleya-brittonii
http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/node/368
© Project SOUND
http://www.hotgardens.net/succulent_cactus_gallery.htm
35. Many Dudleyas are long-lived
http://www.flickr.com/photos/morabeza79/favorites/page38/?view=lg
© Project SOUND
36. Dudleya ‘Palos Verdes’ – a lucky accident
Probably hybrid : D.
pulverulenta X D. brittonii
Good characteristics of
both parents
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3232
© Project SOUND
37. * Canyon Dudleya – Dudleya cymosa
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_d/dudcym.html
© Project SOUND
38. * Canyon Dudleya – Dudleya cymosa
Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia =
Santa Monica Mountains Dudleya
Dudleya cymosa
ssp. ovatifolia
(threatened species)
Dudleya cymosa ssp. marcescens also
endemic to SMM (endangered)
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3310
© Project SOUND
http://www.xericworld.com/forums/crassulaceae/2906-dudleya-cymosa.html
39. Many Dudleyas have small or threatened
distribution: some are very rare
Dudleya greenii – a Channel
Islands endemic
Like many California native plants, dudleyas are now considered
rare, threatened or endangered, depending on the species. All are
protected by law, making it illegal to remove any plants from their
natural habitat.
More are coming into cultivation – but many still are not available
© Project SOUND
40. Canyon Dudleya: a diva, yes, but smaller
Size:
< 1 ft tall (6-8” commonly)
< 1 ft wide
Growth form:
Basal rosette; Echeveria-like
habit
Foliage:
Leaves light green to blue-
green; waxy
Shape varies with sub-species;
flat and spoon-shaped to
lance-shaped.
Leaves cup/hold water
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dudleya_cymosa_1.jpg
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594840898/
41. ssp. marescens
Endemic to Santa Monica Mtns
Grows on shaded, rocky slopes
Rare
Flowers yellow, sometimes w/ pink
bracts
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_cymosa_marcescens.htm
http://jay.timetotrack.com/dudlym3.htm
© Project SOUND
http://www.callutheran.edu/wf/chap/family/bjc-1781.htm
42. ssp. ovatifolia
Occur on sedimentary
and volcanic rocks of
the western Santa
Monica Mountains
Also occurs in a few
Grows on shaded, rocky slopes isolated occurrences in
the Santa Ana
Mountains of Orange Co.
Rare
Flowers bright yellow
with pink stalk
© Project SOUND
43. ssp. pumila
CA endemic
San Gabriel Mtns; also
found in Kern, Mojave
and as far north as
Monterey.
Ssp. pumila
On Rocky outcrops,
slopes, talus
Flowers yellow with
conspicuous pink
bracts
Likely the one
available in the trade,
as it is the most
showy
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594840898/ http://www.siskiyourareplantnursery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=200
44. Flowers are showy
Blooms: in spring – usually Apr-
May in western L.A. Co.
Flowers:
Flowers on relatively short ( ~
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_d/dudcym.html 1 ft) flowering stalks that may
be more simple or many
branched (ssp. pumila); arise
among older leaves (base of
rosette)
Flowers usually yellow but may
be pink; bracts and stems
usually pink to orange-pink;
often showy
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/gallery/G-Dudleya.html
© Project SOUND
45. Soils:
Excellent drainage Texture: well-drained; sandy or
rocky best
pH: any local
Light:
Afternoon shade is best; will look
best and survive better even in hot
inland gardens
Full sun only on immediate coast
Water:
Winter: adequate; supplement in
dry years
Summer: best with occasional (once
a month) summer water – Water
Zone 1-2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594841114/ Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils. ¼
Use a rock mulch, like strength fertilizer in spring for
container plants
Mother Nature does © Project SOUND
46. Showcase a Diva
Makes an attractive pot plant;
neat rosette & showy flowers
Recommended for rock crevices
or growing out of the base of
boulders in the rock garden
Pair with local ferns,
http://www.wildgingerfarm.com/Dudleya.htm
Monkeyflowers, Nightshades
http://stevewolf.smugmug.com/keyword/crassulaceae/1/1264431629_VzWnxbD#!
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=0284 i=1264431629&k=VzWnxbD © Project SOUND
http://www.wrightmanalpines.com/plant/dudleya-cymosa
47. Be creative – Canyon Dudleya is a
versatile addition to the garden
http://www.laspilitas.com/stores/escondido
Penstemon heterophyllus, Dudleya cymosa,
Mock Heather, and Sulfur Buckwheat seem to
do fine in hard, compacted soils
© Project SOUND
48. http://www.cyndyandjohn.com/Holiday%20Letter%202004.htm http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Earth.Transformations.303-554-1352/picture/view/1707601
http://designerblog.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
http://gardeninginaustin.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-front-flower-bed.html © Project SOUND
50. Many-stemmed Dudleya – Dudleya multicaulis
Los Angeles Co. to
western San Bernardino,
Riverside, Orange and San
Diego Cos.
Most of its known
occurrences are in Orange
County, where it lives mostly
along the coastal plain in
heavy clay soils.
In dry, stony places below
2000 ft. in San Diegan
Coastal Sage scrub, Valley
Grassland & chaparral.
© Project SOUND
51. Dudleya multicaulis is somewhat unusual
Size:
< 1 ft tall & wide
Growth form:
Stem/upper root corm-like
(underground vertical
stem); dies back in dry
season
In wild is not readily
identifiable except during
the late spring and early
summer when succulent
leaves and flowers may be
observed.
Foliage:
Leaves few, finger-like,
blue-green with pink blush
© Project SOUND
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/manystemmeddudleya.html
52. Flowers: almost bulb-like
Blooms: in spring - usually
in April-June
Flowers:
dominated by its erect
stems, which are topped
with a branching
inflorescence bearing up to
15 flowers on each long, thin
branch.
The flowers have pointed
yellow petals up to a
centimeter long, and long
stamens.
Flowers age to red
Seeds: many, small in dry
capsule that splits open
© 2010 Andrew Borcher © Project SOUND
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
53. Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: well-drained; rocky
Dudleya multicaulis best
pH: any local
Light:
Afternoon shade or dappled sun
Can also take full sun – dies
back in summer
Water:
Winter: adequate moisture
Summer: dry to occasional
water – Water Zones 1 or 1-2;
let dry out after blooming like a
bulb
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch
© Project SOUND
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
54. Bulb-like Diva
Grow where its small size will
be appreciated:
Rock walls
Rock gardens
Containers
Works well in local native
bulb/fern garden
© 2003 Kristin Szabo
shown with Isocoma menziesii, Hemizonia
fasciculata © Project SOUND
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
58. *Powdery Live-forever – Dudleya farinosa
Most common along coast from San
Francisco and north for about 800 miles
to Oregon and some miles up its coast.
Typical coastal species – low-growing
with very showy flowers
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3320
© Project SOUND
59. Powdery Dudleya: a
spreading diva
Super succulent to fill a pot or
rock crevice
Can also be used as a succulent
groundcover
http://www.infojardin.com/foro/showthread.php?t=36822
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
© 2002 Brad Kelley
© Project SOUND
60. Dudleya groundcovers – the
spreaders
http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
© Project SOUND
61. Many Dudleyas work well in planters
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/01/cabernet-stone-terracing/
© Project SOUND
62. Dudleyas are so versatile : formal or informal
http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html
Dudleyas with strict
rosettes look quite formal
http://www.ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/more-showcase-2009-023-341x455.jpg © Project SOUND
63. Dudleya
Groundcovers
Dudleya farinosa
Dudleya virens
http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2012/02/3041-midvale-avenue.html Dudleya edulis
Dudleya anomala
Dudleya viscida
Dudleya caespitosa
http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2012/02/12806-stanwood-drive.html
© Project SOUND
66. Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens
Two local subspecies:
ssp. hassei – Catalina
ssp. insularis – Palos
Verdes, S. Channel
Islands
On steep slopes in
chaparral, coastal bluff
scrub, and coastal sage
scrub habitats below
1000 ft.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Dudleya+virens
© Project SOUND
67. Characteristics of ssp. hassei
Size:
< 6 in. tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form:
Spreading clump of
succulent rosettes
Evergreen; dries in
summer
Foliage:
Succulent, cylindrical
leaves
Color: blue-green to more
yellow-green
Flowers: pale yellow on pale
pink stalk
© Project SOUND
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_virens
68. Dudleya virens
ssp. hasseii
http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-
part-5-list-of-species
© Project SOUND
69. Characteristics of ssp. insularis
Size: a bit bigger
~ 1 ft tall
1-2+ ft wide
Growth form:
Spreading clump of succulent
rosettes
Evergreen; dries in summer
Foliage:
Succulent, cylindrical leaves
Color: blue-green to more
yellow-green; usually more
glaucus (white farina) than
ssp. hassei
Flowers: pale pink-yellow on
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
brighter pink stalk
© Project SOUND
70. Dudleya virens
ssp. insularis
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-
part-5-list-of-species
© Project SOUND
71. Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: best in light, well-
for Dudleya virens drained soil, but can succeed in
many gardens
pH: any local
Light:
Full sun only in coastal area
Light shade (afternoon shade) in
hotter inland gardens; needs
enough sun for good color, shape
Water:
Winter: needs good winter rains
Summer: keep fairly dry – Zone
1-2 best
Fertilizer: likes poor soils; can
lightly fertilize (1/5 strength) in
winter (esp. in pots)
© 2005 BonTerra Consulting © Project SOUND
72. Groundcover
Dudleyas in the
garden
Attractive pot plants
Good for succulent
ground-covers (best in
small areas; smaller
varieties (spp. hassei)
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2987
work best)
Excellent choice for rock
gardens, dry-stone walls,
retaining walls
On hillsides, slopes
© Project SOUND
73. Keeping Dudleyas healthy: summary
Plant in well-drained soils, at an angle
Water properly; depends on soils
Promote good air circulation
Don’t stress the plants: heat, cold
Prevent & treat common problems:
Aphids & Mealy bugs: prevent Argentine ants from
introducing mealybugs or aphids to your dudleyas -
Mealybugs particularly attack roots
Snails & slugs: don’t over-water; remove
Rabbits & deer: exclude from garden area
For greatest success in cultivation, choose species
from your local area.
© Project SOUND
75. *Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
Orange, Riverside and San Diego
Counties south to Baja
Rocky/sandy slopes, hillsides, ledges
below 4000’
coastal sage scrub, chaparral
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3319 edulis : edible
http://www.miriameaglemon.com/photogallery/Plants.htm
© Project SOUND
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/sandiegonatives-blog
76. Ladyfinger Dudleya: small and upright
Size:
to 1 ft tall
1+ ft wide
Growth form:
Evergreen succulent
Spreads by forming new
rosettes; may become mat-
like in right setting
Foliage:
Blue-green to light green
with white cast; may be pink
tinged
Leaves finger-like, upright
© 2009 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
77. Ladyfinger flowers are
delicate & pretty
Flowers:
Pale color- range from
© 2005 Jasmine J. Watts white to light yellow or
light peach
Open star shape – quaint
appearing
Showy red or orange
anthers – really distinctive
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm © Project SOUND
78. Lady-fingers stars in pots or as
a ground cover
Nice in a large pot – fills the pot or
plant with other species; place it
where you can enjoy the flowers
Great groundcover on slopes or in
small areas; will fill in around rocks
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/3526601427/ You can even use it as a house plant
© Project SOUND
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
80. Maintaining Dudleyas: fairly easy
No pruning is necessary,
although dudleya will benefit
from a beheading (stem
cutting) if the plant becomes
old or tall and spindly.
You may want to remove any
leaves which have died. This
will help to avoid rot and
bugs.
Avoid touching the healthy
leaves - your body oils will
leave marks or remove farina.
© Project SOUND
82. Sticky Dudleya – Dudleya viscida
Southern coastal S. CA – primarily
Orange & San Diego Co.
Rocky bluffs and hillsides in CSS
and Chaparral – often a literal
‘cliff-hanger’
Rare/threatened in the wild –
CNPS 1B.2
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3339
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
© Project SOUND
© Roxanne Bittman and CNPS
83. Sticky Dudleya –
slowly spreading
Size:
1 ft tall (flower stalks taller)
1-2 ft wide – spreads slightly
Growth form:
Starts as rather dense basal rosette
http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2010/10/18/my-new-natives/
– caudex short
Succulent – frost sensitive
Foliage:
Bright green to red-tipped or yellow
green – depends on heat, sun,
drought
Cylindrical, upright leaves – pointed
tips
Sticky with slightly resinous exudate
– more so in hot-dry – unusual for
Dudleya
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2318/
© Project SOUND
84. Flowers are pink!!!
Blooms: in spring - usually April-
May in our area
Flowers:
Pale pink (nearly white) to
medium pink with darker pink
stripes
Small size – like all Dudleyas
Flowering stem is much-
divided – so many more
flowers than most Dudleyas –
literally ‘covered with
flowers’
Seeds: tiny; birds will eat
Vegetative reproduction:
© 2006 Jasmine J. Watts naturally produces offsets (pups)
© 2009 Robert Steers © Project SOUND
86. Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: well-drained rocky
soils are best – but more
adaptable than most
pH: any local
Light:
Full sun to part-shade
Water:
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-
Winter: needs good drainage
Summer: best with occasional
of-species
summer water – Water Zone 1-
2; very drought tolerant but
won’t look as nice
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other:
Use an inorganic mulch
Cut old flower stalks in fall
© Project SOUND
© 2009 Robert Steers
87. Good for slopes & walls
On dry slopes
As an attractive pot plant – a
real beauty in bloom
In a rock garden
In a dry-stone wall
Along a sidewalk or block wall
© 2009 Robert Steers
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
© Project SOUND
© 2009 Robert Steers
88. Dudleya Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
A fairly informal garden
http://www.gardentourist.org/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden.html http://www.xericworld.com/forums/members/sarmis-luters-albums-dudleyas-santa-
barbara-botanical-garden-picture4779-sticky-live-forever-dudleya-viscida-july-2-
© Project SOUND
2011.html
http://www.gardentourist.org/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden.h
tml
89. * No Name Dudleya – Dudleya anomala
© Project SOUND
90. * No Name Dudleya – Dudleya anomala
Range: Baja Norte, Mexico on
Coronado and Todos los Santos
Islands (off coast near
Ensanada), and rarely at Pico
Banda
Always growing on north facing
cliffs
© Project SOUND
91. Garden uses for No
Name Dudleya
Nice smaller groundcover
Dudleya – especialy in bright
shade to afternoon shade
As an attractive pot plant
© Project SOUND
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/330302/
93. Sea Lettuce – Dudleya caespitosa
Coastal California, from Monterrey
county to Los Angeles county – locally
at Point Mugu, N. Santa Monica Mtns
Commonly found on coastal bluffs
AKA ‘Sand Lettuce’
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3307
© 2006 Steven Thorsted
Point Mugu Ft. Funston bluffs
© Project SOUND
http://www.faroutflora.com/2010/04/27/im-a-dudleya-dork/
94. Characteristics of Dudleya caespitosa
Size: medium
~ 1 ft tall
~ 1 ft wide
Growth form:
Slightly different in N & S part
of range
N coast – echeveria-like
S coast – more sparse,
more finger-like leaves
Spreading - groundcover
Foliage:
Pale green to blue-green;
sometimes pinkish tipped
Nice looking with just a little
water
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya_caespitosa.html
© Project SOUND
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_caespitosa.htm
95. Flowers: yellow with pink
accents
Blooms: in spring – usually
Mar-May in our area
Flowers:
On rather slender, branching
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_caespitosa.htm
pink stalks - wand-like
Flowers bright yellow – flower
bracts may be orange or even
pink
Lovely massed ; and
hummingbirds will love this
groundcover!
Vegetative reproduction:
Readily forms offsets (pups)
© Project SOUND
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_caespitosa
96. Coastal plant: coastal Soils:
requirements Texture: well-drained – rocky
or sandy best
pH: any local – 6.00-8.00
Light:
Full sun to light shade along
coast
Afternoon shade in most
gardens
Water:
Winter: adequate moisture
Summer: best with a little
summer water – Zone 1-2 (even
2 in sandy soils); don’t let
water sit on leaves
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_caespitosa
Other: inorganic mulch
© Project SOUND
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/dudleya-caespitosa
97. Dudleya caespitosa
A versatile Dudleya that
can be used in many
attractive ways in the
garden
Point Lobos
http://geogdata.csun.edu/~voltaire/ann/plant/pointlobos.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exuberance/3251771669/ http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=3942
© Project SOUND
98. Dudleya ?caespitosa hybrid 'Frank Reinelt'
Beautiful native succulent
with silver leaves that blush
rose-purple with winter
chill.
form dense mounds 6 - 8
inches tall
Recommended in rock
gardens and as groundcover
esp. on slopes w/ other N
CA species. Great in
http://www.calfloranursery.com/plants/dudleya-frank-reinelt
containers!
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Dudleya_'Frank_Reinelt'&printable=yes
Sometimes mistakenly sold
as Dudleya 'Anacapa' in the
nursery trade.
© Project SOUND
99. Smaller Dudleyas – the container species
© Project SOUND
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
100. Container gardens – allow you to provide
just the right conditions
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
© Project SOUND
101. Containers also allow you to design with plants and
containers, creating unique garden accents
http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2011/02/3922-albright-avenue.html
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/eastbaywilds/sets/72157594276050096/
© Project SOUND
102. Designing with succulents: use shape &
color contrasts to create
interest
Dudleya pulverulenta (l) & D. edulis (r)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72544341@N00/2310150657
© Project SOUND
103. Containers, plants & mulch should complement
Native succulents Dudleya pulverulenta
(chalk dudleya) Dudleya edulis (San Diego
dudleya) and a small Sedum spathulifolium
(stonecrop)
http://lasmmcnps.org/images/Dudleya%20pulverulenta%202.JPG
© Project SOUND
105. Lance-leaf Dudleya (Live-forever) –
Dudleya lanceolata
Santa Barbara and Kern Cos.
to northern Baja
Local mountain ranges
including both coastal &
desert ranges; also Palos
Verdes peninsula
common on dry and rocky
slopes to 3500' in coastal
sage scrub and chaparral
Most often on less harsh and
moister north-facing slopes
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3323
© Project SOUND
106. Lance-leaf Dudleya
Dudleya lanceolata
Local mountain ranges
including both coastal &
desert ranges; also Palos
Verdes peninsula
Interesting foliage color
& shape
Flowers very showy – hot
pink
http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/lanceleafdudleya.html
© Project SOUND
108. Palmer’s Live-forever – Dudleya palmeri
Endemic to the central & s. coast from Monterey
to Los Angeles Co. – locally in Santa Monica Mtns.
Coastal areas in natural rock gardens, rock
crevices, slopes, hillsides under 500 ft elevation
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3326
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_palmeri.htm
© 2004 Brent Miller © Project SOUND
109. Characteristics of Palmer’s
Size: moderate
1 ft tall
1 ft wide
Growth form:
Basal rosette typical of
Dudleya
15-25 leaves
Foliage:
Medium to blue-green
Leaves flat, broad, lance-
shaped
Leaves can be short or quite
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_palmeri long depending on light &
other conditions
© Project SOUND
110. Palmer’s flowers are
bright & showy
Blooms: in spring usually
March/April/May in western L.A.
County
© 2004 Brent Miller Flowers:
One a stout pink flowering stalk
like a candelabra – at least 12”
above the rosette
Flowers yellow/yellow-orange;
bracts are hot pink – really
bright and showy (to attract
hummingbirds)
Seeds:
Many, small in dry capsule
Birds eat them
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_palmeri © Project SOUND