The Silver Dollar Dudleya is a perennial succulent native to coastal areas of Baja California. It has Echeveria-like growth with flattened, lance shaped leaves that are densely packed on stems reaching 1-2 feet tall and wide. The leaves are covered in a white wax giving the plant a brilliant white color, though green forms also occur. Yellow to white flowers bloom on arching spikes from May to June. It is grown as an accent plant for its large white foliage and flowering stalks, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil with infrequent summer watering.

1. * Silver Dollar Dudleya – Dudleya brittonii (DUD-lee-uh brit-TON-ee-eye )
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)
Endemic to coastal areas of the Pacific side of Baja California between Tijuana &
Ensenada and on coastal islands; cliffs and hilly areas in lava rock and other very porous soils.
Native to:
perennial succulent
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Mostly solitary succulent with Echeveria-like growth habit. Leaves are covered with a dusty, chalky,
white wax that gives the plant a brilliant white color. Green forms also occur, but are not as
common in the nursery trade. Leaves are flattened, lance shaped, densely packed on stem.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring to early summer – usually May-June.
Yellow to nearly white
flowers on 1 to 2 foot long spikes that arch upwards and blush red as the clusters of flowers begin to
open. Flowering stalks often more showy than the flowers themselves.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most definitely an accent plant – primarily grown for its brilliant white foliage,
large size and attractive form. Nice choice in front of dark east-facing walls or evergreen shrubs.
Excellent on dry slopes, rock gardens, dry berms, etc.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Echeverias and similar succulents.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun only on coast; some afternoon shade elsewhere.
Well-drained soil, or plant on a slope. Local pH is fine (6.0-8.0).
Infrequent summer water – Water Zone 1-2; keep leaves dry.
¼ strength yearly for container plants.
Inorganic mulch (crushed rock; gravel; pumice)
Management:
Fairly garden-hardy. Don’t over-water. Watch for slugs, snails, mealybugs.
Propagation: from seed:
fresh seed - slow
by cuttings: leaf cuttings, slow
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20
2/29/12
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