This lecture was given in March, 2012 as part of the California native plant gardening series ‘Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden’.

1. 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

49. Many-stemmed Dudleya – Dudleya multicaulis
© 2002 BonTerra Consulting
© 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

55. San Gabriel Mtns. Dudleya – Dudleya densiflora
© Project SOUND

56. © Project SOUND
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/01/cabernet-stone-terracing/

57. *Powdery Live-forever – Dudleya farinosa
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
© Project SOUND

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

64. Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp hassei
© Project SOUND

65. Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp insularis
© 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

74. *Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
© 2000 Salvatore Zimmitti
© 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

79. Garden hardy - even inland
© Project SOUND

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

81. Sticky Dudleya – Dudleya viscida
© 2002 Dean Wm. Taylor
© 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

85. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_viscida
© 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/

92. Sea Lettuce – Dudleya caespitosa
© Project SOUND

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

104. Lance-leaf Dudleya (Live-forever) –
Dudleya lanceolata
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyl2.htm
© 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

107. Palmer’s Live-forever – Dudleya palmeri
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© 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