Scientific Name
Dudleya greenei Rose
Common Name(s)
Greene's Liveforever, Greene's Dudleya
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon greenei, Dudleya echeverioides, Dudleya hoffmannii, Dudleya regalis, Echeveria greenei
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Dudleya
Description
Dudleya greenei is a small succulent with apically branched caudex, forming a dense clump of rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves. The caudex can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, while the rosettes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The leaves can be variably green and pink or covered with a fine waxy bloom. They can measure up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long, 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide, and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) thick.
In late spring and summer, the rosettes produce erect, branched stalks with many pale yellow or whitish flowers. The inflorescences can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most of the myriad 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. 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.
Origin
Dudleya greenei is endemic to the Channel Islands of California. It grows along the cliffs of four of the eight islands.
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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