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 that grows from an apically branched caudex, forming rosettes of 20 to 35 fleshy pointed leaves. The rosettes are up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Leaves are up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide. The inflorescence is borne on an erect, up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall peduncle. The peduncle and foliage are variably green and pink. The inflorescence branches at the top and holds many fleshy yellowish flowers.
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, 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 reestablished. 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
This species is endemic to the Channel Islands of California, where it grows along the cliffs of 4 of the 8 islands.
Links
- Back to genus Dudleya
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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