Scientific Name
Dudleya virens (Rose) Moran
Common Names
Green Liveforever, Bright Green Dudleya
Synonyms
Cotyledon virens, Echeveria virens
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae
Genus: Dudleya
Description
Dudleya virens is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of fleshy, strap-shaped, mostly green leaves that taper from the base or the near middle. The leaves grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. Flowers are white with five petals, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, and appear in spring and summer.
Photo via davesgarden.com
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 reestablished. 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.
Subspecies
Origin
Native to several coastal southern California and Baja California locations.
Links
- Back to genus Dudleya
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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