1. * Palmer’s Live-forever – Dudleya palmeri
(DUD-lee-uh PALM-er-ee (or eye))
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)
Native to: Coastal CA endemic from Monterey Co. to the Santa Monica Mtns.; in rock crevices and
on slopes, hillsides along the coast, generally < 500 ft elevation.
Growth characteristics: perennial succulent mature height: 1 ft.
mature width: 1 ft. (spreading)
Succulent with fleshy leaves in a basal rosette. Leaves bright to pale green (sometimes with redpink), lance-shaped, usually 15-25 per rosette. Attractive plant with a little summer water.
Blooms in spring, often Mar-April in our area. Flowers arise from a stout, pinkcolored flowering stalk that is erect above the foliage. About 30-40 yellow or orange-pink flowers
per stalk. Flowers, which are as big as ½” long, are loved by hummingbirds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Best in areas that get afternoon shade. Excellent choice for east-facing stone
walls, slopes, rock gardens. Does wonderfully in containers, where it makes a dramatic accent.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native succulents.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Afternoon shade in all but coastal gardens.
Well-drained soils; plant on slopes or in rocks to improve drainage.
Occasional summer water – Water Zone 1-2; taper off in late summer/fall.
¼ strength fertilizer yearly for container plants only.
Use inorganic mulch (gravel; crushed rock).
Management:
Fairly low maintenance with correct conditions. Don’t overwater. Watch for slugs &
snails.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed
by offsets (pups): yes, in spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 13,
2/28/12
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