Scientific Name
Dudleya virens (Rose) Moran
Common Name(s)
Green Liveforever, Bright Green Dudleya
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon virens, Echeveria virens
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Dudleya
Origin
This species is native to several coastal southern California and Baja California locations.
Description
Dudleya virens is a succulent plant that forms clumps of rosettes of fleshy, usually green, sometimes glaucous leaves at the tips of branching caudices. The rosettes grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Caudices are erect at first, later decumbent, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. Leaves are linear to triangular-lanceolate, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. They are 2 to 5 times wider than thick. Flowers are star-shaped, white or somewhat marked with red, and appear in spring.
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 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.
Subspecies
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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