1. * Canyon Dudleya – Dudleya cymosa
(DUD-lee-yuh
sy-MOH-suh)
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)
Native to: Mountain ranges of central and s. CA; locally, ssp. marescens endemic to Santa Monica
Mtns, ssp ovalifolia in Santa Monica/Orange Co. Mtns. and ssp. pumila in San Gabriel Mtns to as far
north as Monterey. On rocky outcrops, slopes, talus, from 500 to 8000 ft elevation.
perennial succulent
mature height: to 1 ft.
mature width: to 1 ft.
Succulent perennial with leaves in a basal rosette that somewhat resembles Echeveria species.
Leaves fleshy but broad with pointed tips. Leaf color green to blue-green with a white bloom – tips
may be pink or orange. In nature dies back significantly in summer – needs some summer rest.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – often in April. Flowers on long, stout flowering stalks above or
to the side of the rosette - very dramatic looking. Flowers yellow to yellow with pink or orange
depending of the ssp. This is an exceptionally showy Dudleya in bloom.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: This species does well in difficult situations: hot inland areas; compacted soils.
Good choice for dry areas that get just a little summer water. Excellent choice for rock gardens,
rock walls, retaining walls, slopes etc. with California polypody ferns.
Best with some afternoon
shade in hot gardens – east-facing wall or slope is ideal. Dramatic container plant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native succulents like Echeverias.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds (they love it) and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Best with afternoon shade in most gardens; full sun along coast.
Well-drained, rocky soils best – but adaptable in clays if planted on slopes (even on
the edge of a small berm) to improve drainage.
Very drought tolerant but best with occasional summer water (Water Zone 1-2).
Best to taper off water in late summer/fall.
¼ strength once a year for plants in containers.
Inorganic mulch, if any.
Placement is key – low-maintenance if happy. You can carefully remove the oldest
dead leaves if desired, but be careful to not injure plant. Watch for snails, slugs, mealy bugs.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, slow
by cuttings: leaf cuttings and off-sets (pups).
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 33, 34
2/27/12
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