DUDLEYA. Live-forever. Odd succulents inhabiting rocks and cliffs in California and parts of the Southwest. They have single or branching, ground-hugging rosettes, sometimes elevated in older plants on short trunks. The leaves are large (to 6" or more), flat to cylindrical and often covered with white, waxy powder. Small bell shaped flowers, painted cream or yellow to red, are carried in open clusters above the foliage in spring and summer. Sun, well drained soil, only occasional summer watering when established. Hardiness varies from below 10o to 25oF.
brittonii. A robust species, native to Baja California. It forms dense crowns of tapered leaves up to nearly 1’ long, completely covered with white, waxy powder. The flowering stems are 1-3’ tall and bear clusters of yellow blossoms in summer. A spectacular container plant. 20-25oF.
caespitosa. As it is seen on our central and southern coast, this is a highly variable species which hybridizes and intergrades with several others. Plants of the current material can make just a few or many shoots from a narrow base. Each consists of a tight rosette of grey-green, rather narrow leaves up to 8" long. The flowering stems are branched and 1-2’ high, with many yellow flowers. Probably 15oF.
cymosa. This plant is a common sight on cliffs and rocky hillsides in northern California. It has compact rosettes with relatively broad, nearly flat leaves. Bright yellow to scarlet flowers are carried in open sprays on 4-8” stalks in late spring and summer. Hardy to 10oF or less.
hassei. A native of Santa Catalina Island. It has short, closely branched trunks and densely clustered, narrow leaves. As in the last species, the leaves are covered with whitish powder. Nearly white flowers are carried on 8-12" stems. This species is attractive as a small scale ground cover. 20oF or less.
pulverulenta. A southern native with spectacular large rosettes. The leaves measure individually up to 10” long and are quite broad. They are densely covered with white powder. Openly branched stems over 1’ tall bear many attractive red flowers. This is a fine plant for walls and rockery, where it can grow facing out, with water draining away from the crowns; otherwise, it needs some protection from winter rains. 20oF or less.