Scientific Name
Dudleya ingens Rose
Common Name(s)
Baja Live Forever, Rock Live Forever
Synonym(s)
Echeveria ingens
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Dudleya
Origin
Dudleya ingens is native to Mexico. It grows mainly along the coast and foothills of northwestern Baja California.
Description
Dudleya ingens is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of 20 to 70 fleshy, lance-shaped, green or slightly glaucous leaves, often covered with red spots. The rosettes grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter, usually solitary or few together. Leaves are up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are pale yellow to white, often rose-tinged, and appear in clusters at the top of green to red, often glaucous, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall stalks in 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 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.
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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