Dudleya gatesii

Scientific Name

Dudleya gatesii Johansen

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Dudleya

Origin

Dudleya gatesii is native to Mexico (central Baja California).

Description

Dudleya gatesii is an attractive succulent that forms dense solitary or weakly clustering rosettes of flat succulent leaves. It is very similar to Dudleya ingens. The rosettes can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves are pale green, somewhat glaucous, occasionally reddish, and can measure up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide.

The flowers are white or tinged with rose and appear in spring on red, branched stalks that can grow up to 28 inches (70 cm) tall.

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 myriad habitats Dudleyas occupy become dry in summer. Therefore, it is important to cut off water to Dudleyas in your garden during the summer. 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 next 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. However, 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.

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