Chalk Dudleya
(Dudleya pulverulenta)
Chalk Dudleya (Dudleya pulverulenta)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by Easyscape
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | CC BY-SA 4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dudleya pulverulenta, commonly known as Chalk Dudleya, is an evergreen perennial succulent native to the rocky cliffs and slopes of coastal California and Baja California in Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet. Chalk Dudleya forms a striking silvery, waxy rosette that contrasts with its native rocky habitats. It has one of the thickest stems in the genus, which may tilt and grow prostrate over time. The plant bears 40 to 60 wide, flat, fleshy leaves that age to a pinkish papery texture. Rosettes are usually solitary but can produce offsets in a hen-and-chicks fashion. The plant’s epidermis is covered with a dense coating of chalky, powdery epicuticular wax, which is highly reflective and helps prevent water loss.
Chalk Dudleya is valued for its ornamental appearance, particularly its large rosettes and striking silver foliage. It blooms from May to July, producing inflorescences up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall with pale green or white flowers that nod when young and spread with age. The long corolla is adapted for hummingbird pollination, with red petals and waxy sepals. In cultivation, it is used in rock gardens, as a container plant, and in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and striking appearance. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very little water and well-draining soil. While it is more resilient than Dudleya brittonii, it is still susceptible to aphid infestations, which can deform flowers and rosettes. Dudleya pulverulenta may have a shorter lifespan in cultivation, typically 2 to 3 years, but can live over 40 years in optimal wild conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chalk Dudleya is valued for its ornamental appearance, particularly its large rosettes and striking silver foliage. It blooms from May to July, producing inflorescences up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall with pale green or white flowers that nod when young and spread with age. The long corolla is adapted for hummingbird pollination, with red petals and waxy sepals. In cultivation, it is used in rock gardens, as a container plant, and in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and striking appearance. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very little water and well-draining soil. While it is more resilient than Dudleya brittonii, it is still susceptible to aphid infestations, which can deform flowers and rosettes. Dudleya pulverulenta may have a shorter lifespan in cultivation, typically 2 to 3 years, but can live over 40 years in optimal wild conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulents
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the rocky cliffs and slopes of coastal California and Baja California in Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Chalk Lettuce , Chalk Liveforever
Scientific Names: Dudleya pulverulenta , Echeveria pulverulenta
GBIF Accepted Name: Dudleya pulverulenta (Nutt.) Britton & Rose