Description

The liveforevers are generally found in coastal settings. There are actually very few species found more than a few miles from the Pacific. Often clinging to sandstone cliffs, they benefit from the cool, moist ocean air. Dudleya’s always grow as a rosette of fleshy leaves, which vary somewhat in shape and color. As the rosette sprouts new leaves each year, the plant develops a basal stock. Some species produce plantlets at the base. The coast dudleya is widespread along the coast from the SF Bay Area to Los Angeles County. It is found inland in a few areas, such as the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara County. The coast dudleya has strap-like leaves with a waxy coating that give the leaves a gray-green appearance. THe rosettes expand basally over time to form a clump. The spring flower stocks are quite attractive, with red-tinted stems and leaflets and bright yellow flowers. The treatment of dudleyas is rather generic: well-draining soil, and mostly shade in an inland setting. They make excellent potted plants. Dudleyas are tolerant of weekly water, which avoids summer dormancy in which dudleyas look like a cluster of old french fries.