Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
DUDLEYA virens
Plant Common Name
Bright Green Dudleya, Liveforever
General Description
A perennial succulent from California and northwestern Mexico, this variable species is known in gardens primarily by its subspecies hassei. Its evergreen rosettes of narrowly to broadly lance-shaped leaves are green or gray. Some forms of the species sucker rapidly, forming large clumps of rosettes. Older rosettes develop stems, giving plants a shrubby appearance. Open clusters of starry white, yellowish, or pink flowers perch on erect stems in spring. The fragrant blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
This handsome succulent requires ample sun and dry summers (provide midday shade where summers are hot). Grow it in a cool greenhouse in a porous mix, or in the garden where winters are mild and summers dry. Remove spent flower stems for appearance and to prevent self-sowing. Propagate by offsets in spring or early summer. Its geometric foliage complements the forms of other dryland plants.
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
