Dudleya

( DUD - lee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of succulent perennial plants needs full sun and moderate water. They are native to California, Arizona, coastal Oregon, and Baja California. Plants in this genus are commonly known as Liveforevers, and form rosettes of succulent leaves. Many species readily hybridize.

Dudleya Species and Varietals

There are about 40 species of Dudleya, which is a member of the plant family Crassulaceae, and the best growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Dudleya albiflora (White-Flower Liveforever)
These succulent perennials are native to the Baja California Peninsula, and come in a variety of forms. They typically form rosettes of grey-green foliage and have a clumping form. Leaves are purplish in color towards their tips. Flowers are white.

Dudleya attenuata (Taper-Tip Liveforever)
These Baja California and California coastal native plants form rosettes of succulent, narrow foliage covered in whitish wax. Rosettes form clumps up to 16 inches wide. Flowers produced by this species are cream, white, or pinkish.

Dudleya brittonii (Britton's Dudleya, Britton's Liveforever, Giant Chalk Dudleya)
This species grows best in zones 16, 17 and 21-24. They form rosettes on stems that grow to reach 1-2 feet long. The stems (or trunks) will topple over under the weight of the rosette as the plant ages. Leaves are covered in chalk, and spring flowers are yellow and appear on red stems. This plant needs bright light, and shelter from weather. Best under an overhang that will protect the chalky leaf covering from being rubbed or washed off. Water from base.

Dudleya caespitosa (Coast Dudleya, Sea Lettuce, Sand Lettuce)
This native of Southern California grows best in zones 9, 14-17 and 19-24. Great for containers, rock gardens and low borders. Commonly seen along coastline cliffs.

Dudleya farinosa (Bluff Lettuce, Powdery Liveforever, Powdery Dudleya)
This species of Dudleya grows best in zones 5, 7, 14-17 and 19-24 and is native to Northern California and Southern Oregon. Common on sea cliffs in these areas, and sometimes called 'Cliff Lettuce'.

Caring for Dudleya

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Dudleya
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 294, Dudleya
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