Scientific Name
Dudleya albiflora Rose
Common Name(s)
White-flower Live Forever
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon albiflora, Dudleya moranii, Echeveria albiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Dudleya
Origin
Dudleya albiflora is native to Mexico. It occurs in central and southern Baja California and Cedros, Natividad, and Espiritu Santo Islands.
Description
Dudleya albiflora is a small succulent that forms rosettes of slender, pointed leaves that radiate out and slightly up. The rosettes can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter and produce offsets, forming clumps over 28 inches (70 cm) in diameter. The leaves are bright green or glaucous, sometimes with a red tinge. They measure up to 2.5 inches (6.25 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are bell-shaped, pure white, and appear in clusters on slender, red stalks growing up to 18 inches (45 cm) long from spring to early summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most of the various habitats Dudleyas occupy become dry in summer. Therefore, cutting off water to Dudleyas in your garden during the summer is important. Plants grown in sandy soils or containers are exceptions. They will accept infrequent summer watering as long as the soil drains well. The onset of fall or winter rains reawakens Dudleyas from drought-induced dormancy. Their shriveled leaves plump up quickly, growth resumes, and flowering occurs during the following spring or summer. These plants are amazingly resilient. If a portion of a colony sloughs off a cliff face or is uprooted by a burrowing animal, it can persist for months until soil contact is re-established. Species that naturally grow on ocean bluffs are also salt-spray tolerant.
Dudleyas have their share of disease and pest problems. If you can prevent Argentine Ants from introducing mealybugs or aphids to your Dudleyas, they will be healthier. Mealybugs nestle in the deep recesses of the leaves, and their feeding weakens the plants.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Dudleya.
Links
- Back to genus Dudleya
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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