Delightful Dudleyas 2012
description
Transcript of Delightful Dudleyas 2012
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Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native PlantsProject SOUND – 2012 (our 8th year)
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Delightful Dudleyas
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh PreserveMarch 3 & 6, 2012
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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
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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).
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
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Russell_Dudley_(1849-1911).jpg
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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 Plants and other small sub-shrubs, choice minatures and mat-forming plants.
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.
http://www.southampton.bcss.org.uk/images/image145.jpg
Echeverias
Kalanchoe http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/02/sedum_spathulifolium.php
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
All plants have the ability to convert carbon dioxide to sugars, using
energy from the sun
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The process of photosythesis
Gases and water vapor enter and exit plants through stomata
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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
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
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Dudleyas can be used in several ways in the home garden
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http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2318/
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
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Dudleya divas – showy accent plants
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http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm
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Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm
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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
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3327,3329
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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=DUPUhttp://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=1536&account=none
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Taxonomic confusion: is that an Echeveria or a 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
Echeveria Dudleya
http://www.collectorscorner.com.au/Cacti/Echeveria%20main.htm
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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
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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
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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
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 Zone 2
Dudleya virens ssp hassei
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=538
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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).
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
Dudleya virens ssp hassei
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=538
Bottom line: best to not combine Dudleyas with succulents that have very different water requirements (Echeverias; Sedums; etc.)
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Give them what they like…
Plant them in/near rocks Naturally occurring Local boulders brought in
to 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
D. virens ssp. hassei
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93452909@N00/191287029/
Dudleya pulverulenta
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241664905/
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Flowers are like no others: dramatic!
Blooms: spring/early summer; typical for Dudleyas
Flowers: On long flowering
stalks – plan accordingly
Note hummingbird-plant features:
Red color; Shape; Flowers held away
from plant to allow access
Heavy duty, sweet nectarhttp://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyc5.htm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2606066487_0aaaf1ed09.jpg?v=0
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/Anna%27s_Hummingbird_on_chalk_dudlea.jpg
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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.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241665013/in/photostream/
http://www.marrsandersen.com/California-plants/California-plants-Pages/Image28.html
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* Silver Dollar Plant - Dudleya brittonii
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1509
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.
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Silver Dollar Plant - Dudleya brittonii
http://home.comcast.net/~ldecola/baja/
http://www.yacht-transport.com/page/autumn2009/Oregon.html
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 Cactaceae, a four-volume work started in 1906 and published in 1924.
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http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~alroy/lefa/Britton.html
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Silver Dollar Dudleya – a larger dudleya
Size: 1+ ft tall 1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Basal rosette – stem (caudex) is
very 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
http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2010/10/18/my-new-natives/
http://www.bambooandmore.info/2011_10_02_archive.html
http://www.baynatives.com/plants/Dudleya-brittonii/
Why are some Dudleyas so white?
Why? Protection against sun damage Water conservation
How? Leaves are covered with a dusty,
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.
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http://www.arthurleej.com/p-o-m-Jan11.html
http://image54.webshots.com/154/5/90/28/539959028nsjBLY_fs.jpg
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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.htmlhttp://www.succulent-plant.com/families/crassulaceae/dudleya.html
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Plant Requirements Soils:
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: tolerates garden conditions
better than the similar looking Dudleya pulverulenta
http://www.scientificlib.com/en/Biology/Plants/Magnoliophyta/DudleyaBrittonii01.html
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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 containerhttp://www.flickriver.com/photos/amarguy/3949915856/
http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
http://www.hotgardens.net/cactus%20and%20succulents%20at%20huntington%20desert%20garden.htm
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Designing with diva dudleyas
Accent plants whether alone or interplanted
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gXhU4_V-Hhg78Lwpg9OOZQ
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iiUK9e2RW16pM8msvsmB4g
Use contrast to show divas in their best light
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http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/dudleya-brittoniihttp://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/node/368
http://www.hotgardens.net/succulent_cactus_gallery.htm
Many Dudleyas are long-lived
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/morabeza79/favorites/page38/?view=lg
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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
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* Canyon Dudleya – Dudleya cymosa
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_d/dudcym.html
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* Canyon Dudleya – Dudleya cymosa Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia =
Santa Monica Mountains Dudleya (threatened species)
Dudleya cymosa ssp. marcescens also endemic to SMM (endangered)
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3310
http://www.xericworld.com/forums/crassulaceae/2906-dudleya-cymosa.html
Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia
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Many Dudleyas have small or threatened distribution: some are very rare
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
Dudleya greenii – a Channel Islands endemic
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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
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594840898/
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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
http://www.callutheran.edu/wf/chap/family/bjc-1781.htm
ssp. ovatifolia
Occur on sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the western Santa Monica Mountains
Also occurs in a few isolated occurrences in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange Co.
Rare
Flowers bright yellow with pink stalk
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Grows on shaded, rocky slopes
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ssp. pumila
CA endemic
San Gabriel Mtns; also found in Kern, Mojave and as far north as Monterey.
On Rocky outcrops, slopes, talus
Flowers yellow with conspicuous pink bracts
Likely the one available in the trade, as it is the most showy
Ssp. pumila
http://www.siskiyourareplantnursery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=200http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594840898/
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Flowers are showy
Blooms: in spring – usually Apr-May in western L.A. Co.
Flowers:
Flowers on relatively short ( ~ 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.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_d/dudcym.html
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/gallery/G-Dudleya.html
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Excellent drainage Soils: 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
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils. ¼ strength fertilizer in spring for container plants
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33818785@N00/2594841114/
Use a rock mulch, like Mother Nature does
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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, Monkeyflowers, Nightshades
http://www.wildgingerfarm.com/Dudleya.htm
http://www.wrightmanalpines.com/plant/dudleya-cymosa
http://stevewolf.smugmug.com/keyword/crassulaceae/1/1264431629_VzWnxbD#!i=1264431629&k=VzWnxbDhttp://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=0284
Be creative – Canyon Dudleya is a versatile addition to the garden
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Penstemon heterophyllus, Dudleya cymosa, Mock Heather, and Sulfur Buckwheat seem to do fine in hard, compacted soils
http://www.laspilitas.com/stores/escondido
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http://www.cyndyandjohn.com/Holiday%20Letter%202004.htm
http://gardeninginaustin.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-front-flower-bed.htmlhttp://designerblog.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Earth.Transformations.303-554-1352/picture/view/1707601
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Many-stemmed Dudleya – Dudleya multicaulis
© 2002 BonTerra Consulting
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.
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Many-stemmed Dudleya – Dudleya multicaulis
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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
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/manystemmeddudleya.html
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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
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
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Plant RequirementsDudleya multicaulis
Soils: Texture: well-drained; rocky
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
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
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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
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya%20multicaulis.htm
San Gabriel Mtns. Dudleya – Dudleya densiflora
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*Powdery Live-forever – Dudleya farinosa
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
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*Powdery Live-forever – Dudleya farinosa
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3320
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
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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
© 2002 Brad Kelley
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
Dudleya groundcovers – the spreaders
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http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
Many Dudleyas work well in planters
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http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/01/cabernet-stone-terracing/
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Dudleyas are so versatile : formal or informal
Dudleyas with strict rosettes look quite formal
http://www.ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/more-showcase-2009-023-341x455.jpg
http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html
Dudleya Groundcovers
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http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2012/02/3041-midvale-avenue.html
http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2012/02/12806-stanwood-drive.html
Dudleya farinosa Dudleya virens Dudleya edulis Dudleya anomala Dudleya viscida Dudleya caespitosa
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Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp hassei
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Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp insularis
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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
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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
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_virens
Dudleya virens ssp. hasseii
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http://www.faroutflora.com/2011/01/08/dudleyas-dudleyas-dudleyas/
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
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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 brighter pink stalk
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
Dudleya virens ssp. insularis
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http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
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Plant Requirements for Dudleya virens
Soils: Texture: best in light, well-
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
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Groundcover Dudleyas in the garden
Attractive pot plants
Good for succulent ground-covers (best in small areas; smaller varieties (spp. hassei) work best)
Excellent choice for rock gardens, dry-stone walls, retaining walls
On hillsides, slopes
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2987
© Project SOUND
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.
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*Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
© 2000 Salvatore Zimmitti
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*Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3319
Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties south to Baja
Rocky/sandy slopes, hillsides, ledges below 4000’
coastal sage scrub, chaparral
edulis : edible
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
http://www.miriameaglemon.com/photogallery/Plants.htm
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/sandiegonatives-blog
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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
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Ladyfinger flowers are delicate & pretty
Flowers: Pale color- range from
white to light yellow or light peach
Open star shape – quaint appearing
Showy red or orange anthers – really distinctive
© 2005 Jasmine J. Watts
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
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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
You can even use it as a house plant
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/3526601427/
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
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Garden hardy - even inland
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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.
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Sticky Dudleya – Dudleya viscida
© 2002 Dean Wm. Taylor
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
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Sticky Dudleya – Dudleya viscida
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3339
© Roxanne Bittman and CNPS
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
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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 – 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://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2010/10/18/my-new-natives/
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2318/
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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: naturally produces offsets (pups)
© 2006 Jasmine J. Watts
© 2009 Robert Steers
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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_viscida
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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: Winter: needs good drainage Summer: best with occasional
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
© 2009 Robert Steers
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
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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
© 2009 Robert Steershttp://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
Dudleya Garden - Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
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http://www.gardentourist.org/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden.html
http://www.gardentourist.org/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden/Santa_Barbara_Botanic_Garden.html
A fairly informal garden
http://www.xericworld.com/forums/members/sarmis-luters-albums-dudleyas-santa-barbara-botanical-garden-picture4779-sticky-live-forever-dudleya-viscida-july-2-2011.html
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* 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
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* No Name Dudleya – Dudleya anomala
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Garden uses for No Name Dudleya
Nice smaller groundcover Dudleya – especialy in bright shade to afternoon shade
As an attractive pot plant
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/330302/
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Sea Lettuce – Dudleya caespitosa
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Sea Lettuce – Dudleya caespitosa
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3307
© 2006 Steven Thorsted
http://www.faroutflora.com/2010/04/27/im-a-dudleya-dork/
Ft. Funston bluffsPoint Mugu
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’
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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
waterhttp://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya_caespitosa.html
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_caespitosa.htm
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Flowers: yellow with pink accents
Blooms: in spring – usually Mar-May in our area
Flowers: On rather slender,
branching 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)
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_caespitosa.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_caespitosa
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Coastal plant: coastal requirements
Soils: 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
Other: inorganic mulchhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_caespitosa
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/dudleya-caespitosa
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Dudleya caespitosa
A versatile Dudleya that can be used in many attractive ways in the garden
http://www.flickr.com/photos/exuberance/3251771669/ http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=3942
Point Loboshttp://geogdata.csun.edu/~voltaire/ann/plant/pointlobos.html
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 containers!
Sometimes mistakenly sold as Dudleya 'Anacapa' in the nursery trade.
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http://www.calfloranursery.com/plants/dudleya-frank-reinelt
http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Dudleya_'Frank_Reinelt'&printable=yes
Smaller Dudleyas – the container species
© Project SOUNDhttp://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
© Project SOUND
Container gardens – allow you to provide just the right conditions
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
Containers also allow you to design with plants and containers, creating unique garden accents
© Project SOUND
http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2011/02/3922-albright-avenue.html
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/eastbaywilds/sets/72157594276050096/
© Project SOUND
Designing with succulents: use shape & color contrasts to createinterest
Dudleya pulverulenta (l) & D. edulis (r)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72544341@N00/2310150657
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Containers, plants & mulch should complement
http://lasmmcnps.org/images/Dudleya%20pulverulenta%202.JPG
Native succulents Dudleya pulverulenta (chalk dudleya) Dudleya edulis (San Diego dudleya) and a small Sedum spathulifolium (stonecrop)
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Lance-leaf Dudleya (Live-forever) – Dudleya lanceolata
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyl2.htm
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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
Lance-leaf Dudleya (Live-forever) – Dudleya lanceolata
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Lance-leaf DudleyaDudleya 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
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Palmer’s Live-forever – Dudleya palmeri
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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Palmer’s Live-forever – Dudleya palmeri
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3326
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://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_palmeri.htm
© 2004 Brent Miller
© Project SOUND
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 long depending on light & other conditions
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_palmeri
© Project SOUND
Palmer’s flowers are bright & showy
Blooms: in spring usually March/April/May in western L.A. County
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
© 2004 Brent Miller
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_palmeri
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements:Palmers Dudleya
Soils: Texture: well-drained pH: any local
Light: Afternoon shade/dappled
shade In nature, usually on east-
facing slopes, canyon walls
Water: Winter: adequate;
supplement if needed Summer: infrequent (Water
Zone 1-2); keep leaves dry
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; pots need ¼ strength in spring
Other: inorganic mulch (if any) – follow Mother Nature’s cues
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_palmeri.htm
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for Palmer’s Dudleya As an attractive container plant –
alone or with other dudleyas In a rock garden or rocky berm In drystone wall and pervious
retaining walls East-facing slopes with CA fuschia &
local native ferns
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2318/
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_palmeri.htm
© Project SOUND
Growing Dudleyas in containers Dudleyas grow well in pots and
make excellent outdoor specimens in Mediterranean climates.
Potting soil should be very well-draining; amend potting soils with sharp sand and pumice to insure good drainage.
Watering: treat as Zone 2; monitor carefully in hot weather
Light: afternoon shade or bright shade best
Propagation: easiest by removing rooted offsets (pups), but can be from seed
Dudleya farinosa
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Other considerations for growing Dudleyas
Bright light is integral to the proper growth of this genus.
Plants grown in low-light will lose their color, grow tall and spindly and will eventually die.
Most Dudleyas make poor houseplants
Most Dudleyas do best with moderate temperatures - protect from blistering afternoon heat, frosts (particularly if in pots)
Potting soil should be very well-draining; use a cactus mix or amend available soils with sharp sand and pumice to insure good drainage.
Dudleya ‘Bright Sprite’ 1 ft x 1 ft Pale, pastel foliage and flowers Sun to part-shade Occasional water Beautiful in rock gardens or
containers. Excellent mass planted or as an accent against darker foliage such as Ceanothus
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http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Dudleya_'Bright_Sprite'
http://photobucket.com/images/Dudleya+'Bright+Sprite'/
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Dudleya gnoma [D. greenei] - ‘White Sprite’
Native to Santa Rosa Island – rare in nature
Small and charming – very white
Readily available
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya_gnoma.html
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1531
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/94-photos/538-dudleya-gnoma-white-sprite-photos
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Abram’s Dudleya – Dudleya abramsii
© 2006 Steve Matson
© Project SOUND
Abram’s Dudleya – Dudleya abramsii
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3296
Ssp. affinis
© 2011 Chris Winchell
Mountains of San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties & N. Baja
Rocky outcrops (granitic or quartzite, rarely limestone); Chaparral, Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland between 150 and 8500 feet
Name honors Leroy Abrams, its discoverer, 1903
Desert side of San Bernardino Mtns
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San Bernardino Mountains Liveforever - ssp. affinis
http://www.desertusa.com/flowers/San-Bernardino-Mountains-Liveforever.htmlhttp://www.xericworld.com/forums/crassulaceae/2878-dudleya-abramsii-affinis-baldwinensis.html
http://rareplanttreasurehunt.blogspot.com/2011/08/highlights-of-season.html
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina
San Luis Obispo
© Project SOUND
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-species
Conejo Dudleya - ssp. parva
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_abramsii
http://hazmac.biz/061030/061030DudleyaAbramsiiParva.html
http://crassulaceae.net/dudleyamenu/72-speciesdudleya/224-dudleya-part-5-list-of-speciesMark W. Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of Abram’s Dudleya
Size: petite: often 6” tall and wide
Growth form: Leaf & stem succulent Short caudex – forms basal
rosette Usually 10-20 leaves per rosette
Foliage: Pale green to blue-green Waxy white Leaves lance-shaped, flattened
and pointed
Roots: reach into cracks in the rocks
http://www.soenyun.com/Blog/2010/10/18/my-new-natives/
© 2008 Thomas Stoughton
© Project SOUND
Flowers are also petite Blooms: in spring – April-June
Flowers: Pale yellow; typical Dudleya
shape Many pale pink, branched
stalks – lots of flowers for such a small plant
Vegetative reproduction: may produce off-sets
© 2008 Thomas Stoughton
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: more adaptable than expected – likes well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Afternoon shade best in
most gardens Dappled sun fine
Water: Winter: adequate to
replenish deep stores Summer: occasional water
for best appearance – Water Zone 1-2; taper off in fall
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: slugs, snails, mealybugs© 2005 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
© Project SOUND
Place where you can appreciate it
As an attractive pot plant In a rock garden – near the
front On a rocky berm In a drystone wall© 2005 Chris Wagner, SBNF
© 2006 Steve Matson© 2011 Chris Winchell
© Project SOUND
More small-sized Dudleyas from S. CA
© 2006 Steve Matson
© 2006 Vince Scheidt
Dudleya attenuata ssp. orcuttii
© 2006 Steve Matson
Dudleya cymosa ssp. pumila
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We hope you’ve gotten some ideas…
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Photo: Griselda Sasayama
© Project SOUND
Hillsides work well for cacti & succulents
Promote plant health by providing good drainage
Allow the viewer to see/appreciate each species
A fire-wise alternative
Decrease challenges of watering steep slopes
http://www.casperlandscape.com/22_view.html
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From lawn to succulent garden…
http://www.indahbulan.com/tantenbaum.html
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We’ve come to the end of our We’ve come to the end of our tour of Delightful Dudleyastour of Delightful Dudleyas
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