Transcript
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009
© Project SOUND
Simply Succulent
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
June 6 & 9, 2009
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It’s easy to fall in love with cacti & succulents
http://www.cactus-mall.com/pictures/pic00024.jpg © Project SOUND
This may (or may not) be your idea of
heaven on earth
http://www.dryscapes.eu/11.html
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But most of us have at least one place in our yards
where cacti/succulents might be the best solution
http://hotels.about.com/od/newmexico/ig/Sierra-Grande-Lodge/Cactus-Garden.htm
http://image61.webshots.com/161/0/69/53/520706953KNboGn_fs.jpg © Project SOUND
Succulents complement contemporary
architecture...
http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/73491/Succulent-Garden.jpg
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1476610400079711680tHyVBV
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…and add interesting color & texture to
many types of gardens
http://succulentplants.net/garden.htm
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Cacti & succulents can be valuable
additions to water-wise gardens
http://paradiseenvironments.com/OutdoorLiving/outdoor_living.htm
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http://www.ci.poway.ca.us/Modules/ShowImage.aspx?imageid=1146
And can be easy to grow, with minimal effort
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We already know that California (and Baja
California) plants are special…
Our Mediterranean climate requires that plants adapt to summer drought.
One common adaptations is succulence. Modified tissues store large amounts of water, making the plant part appear fleshy, succulent, or swollen.
Species in various plant families and genera have independently evolved succulence as a mechanism for conserving water and survival in arid environments.
There are an estimated 10,000 succulent plant species throughout the world
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Several types of succulence:
Leaf Succulents: Leaves are almost entirely composed of water storage cells covered by a thin layer of green photosynthetic tissue. Examples: Stonecrop family - Aloe, Dudleya, Sedum, non-native Iceplants
Stem Succulents: Fleshy stems contain water storage cells overlaid by photosynthetic tissue. Leaves are almost or entirely absent, reducing surface area to prevent evaporative loss of water. Examples: most cacti, Euphorbias; Giant Coreopsis.
Root Succulents: Swollen fleshy roots store water underground away from the heat of the sun and hungry animals. Stems and leaves are often deciduous and shed during prolonged dry seasons. Examples: Manroot (Marah), Abronia, . Combinations of the above types may occur where more than one organ is used to store water.
Examples: Agave, Heliotropium curassavicum (Seaside Heliotrope)
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Most, but not all, succulent plants are
from hot dry climates
Succulence developed for the same reason in saltmarsh plants – to allow the plant to conserve water
http://www.sanelijo.org/saltmarsh.html
Salty Susan - Jaumea carnosa Pickleweed - Salicornia virginica
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What is a cactus (and how is it different from other succulents)?
Cacti are a distinct plant family (Cactaceae).
They are plants of hot environments They are perennial succulent plants with
thick stems usually covered with spines. Spines are not all over the surface but are borne in felty cushions called areoles.
Sometimes mistakenly called leaves, the joints of prickly pears are flattened stems. True leaves, if not completely absent, usually are very small and inconspicuous and soon fall away.
The more than 1500 different species of cacti are native to the Western Hemisphere, from Canada to Patagonia.
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Coastal S. CA has a unique plant community : Southern Cactus Scrub
Dominated by cacti and coastal sage scrub species.
Must be 20% or more cover of coastal prickly-pear (Opuntia littoralis) and/or Oracle cactus (Opuntia oricola).
In coastal areas, coastal cholla (Cylindropuntia/ Opuntia prolifera) may be a common
Other common species CA Encelia, California sagebrush, buckwheat, black sage (Salvia mellifera), and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana).
The understory is frequently composed of foothill needlegrass, bent grass (Agrostis spp.), and a variety of herbaceous forb species.
Occurs primarily on south-facing slopes on low foothills away from the immediate coast.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/liamkestrel/3383069515/
You can use the Cactus
Scrub community as
inspiration for your
garden
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The genus Optuntia
Family: Cactaceae
Opuntia genus has two branches
Prickly Pears "Platyopuntia" (flat joints) Chollas "Cylindropuntia" (rounded joints)
About three dozen species throughout the United States
Native to every state except Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire
Natural hybridization common
Lifespan <20 years (most short-lived of all cacti)
Main food producing cacti - both pads and fruit. © Project SOUND
Coastal Prickly-pear - Opuntia littoralis
© 2002 Lynn Watson
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Chaparral Pricklypear – Opuntia oricola
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Opuntia_oricola
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Opuntia_oricola.htm © Project SOUND
Yum – Pricklypears
can be used in so
many ways!
I’ll send out a recipe sheet http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2383907636_378192341a.jpg?v=0
http://www.arizonagift.com/convention_mini_gifts.htm
http://www.sacatomato.com/2008/06/cooking_with_diana_kennedy.html
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Cylindropuntia
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Opuntia4_filtered.jpg © Project SOUND
Coastal Cholla – Cylindropuntia/Optuntia prolifera
© 2004 Vince Scheidt
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Coastal Cholla – Cylindropuntia/Optuntia prolifera
Pacific coast from southern California (USA) to central Baja California (Mexico)
Ocean bluffs, inland coastal sage flats, arid slopes below 600' near the coast, coastal sage scrub
It’s name (prolifera) describes how it grows – with many offshoots
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?2702,2726,2749
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Coastal cacti depend on summer fogs
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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But they really are quite drought tolerant
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Opuntia_prolifera.htm
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Coastal Cholla is a medium-sized cactus
Size:
4-8 ft tall
to 8 ft wide
Growth form: Tree-like or shrubby cactus
Extensive branching; branches are cylindrical
Branches blue-green when young; covered with darker bark when older
Foliage: None that is permanent
Spines and glochids typical of Opuntia-type cacti
© 2004 Vince Scheidt
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Flowers are fantastic
Blooms: Spring-summer
Usually Apr-June or July
Flowers open over several weeks
Flowers: Small (for cactus) – 1-2 inches
Magenta to dark (burgandy) red
Very bright & showy
Seeds: Often sterile – we’ll learn why
in a second
Vegetative reproduction: Most common means of
reproduction; segments break off easily
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/coastcholla.html
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Opuntia_prolifera.htm © Project SOUND
Showy, colorful petals – attract insect pollinators; many different insects visit the flowers bees are most common pollinators
Sweet-scented (many)
Male (stamen) organs can move toward the center of the flowers when touched (thigmotropic).
Happens very quickly on a hot day Explanation:
May force pollen onto the bodies of pollinators (bees) to assist in cross pollination
? Role in getting flowers pollinated quickly so excess energy not spent in reproduction?
? keeps non-pollinators from ‘stealing’ the pollen?
Cactus flowers: unique and showy
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/chollac2.htm
© Project SOUND
Opuntia fruits are often fleshy, brightly colored
Adapted for hot, dry conditions Keep seed/embryo moist &
protected during seed development
Attract birds/animals once seed is ready to spread Develop sweet flesh Color becomes more dark-
red/purple once seeds are fully developed
This cholla has sterile seeds Sterile hybrid – probably
between several species now found only in Mexico (C. alcahes X C. cholla )
Note: fruits are green – not red – and not particularly good to eat
http://ucbglcs.blogspot.com/
http://www.sanpedrorivervalley.org/old_road_byway.htm © Project SOUND
Growth requirements for
local Opuntia-type Cacti
Soils: Texture: well-drained soils;
sandy or gravelly/rocky the best
pH: any local, including alkali
Light: Full sun in most gardens
Some afternoon shade fine in very hot gardens
Water: Winter: winter rains usually
adequate
Summer: likes to be fairly dry (Zones 1 to 1-2; Zone 2 in pots)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: use a rock mulch, if any
http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6342
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Garden uses for local
Opuntia-type cacti
Good choice for coastal habitat gardens Habitat for coastal cactus wren (rare)
Insects and hummingbirds drawn to flowers
Birds and mammals eat the fruits
Some mammals/lizards actually live in/near to cacti for protection
For their food value
In a cactus/desert style garden
In large planters/containers
As accent plants in dry areas of the garden – placement is key
Excellent choice for hillsides
As a barrier or hedge plant
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/Syllabus2/factshee
t.cfm?ID=792
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Opuntia_prolifera.htm © Project SOUND
Some people use
Opuntia-type cacti
for hedges
http://www.backtonatives.org/nativelandscapes.htm
http://content.ci.pomona.ca.us/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Frasher&CISOPTR=6863&CISOBOX=1&REC=20
And they work pretty
well
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You may have heard of ‘Jumping Chollas’
Don’t not really jump.
The barbed spines allow them to seize the passer-by and "disarticulate readily" from the mother plant.
This allows the plant to spread widely by vegetative propagation
Bottom line: consider garden placement of cacti carefully
http://www.graci.com/photoday.htm
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1053071767036424719YtiPgK © Project SOUND
Golden-spined Cereus – Bergerocactus emoryi
© 2006 Vince Scheidt
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Golden-spined Cereus – Bergerocactus emoryi
San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Coastal Orange Co., southern San Diego Co.
AKA ‘Goldensnake cactus’
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?2702,2703,2704
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In nature: Catalina Island
© 2006 Vince Scheidt
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of Golden-spined Cereus
Size:
1-2 ft tall
3-5+ ft wide; spreading
Growth form: Evergreen cactus
Many upright, cylindrical stems
Foliage: No leaves
Fragile, glass-like spines - many
© 2007 John M. Taylor © Project SOUND
Flowers are showy
Blooms: Late spring – typical for
coastal cacti
Usually Apr-Jul. in our area
Flowers: Lovely lemon yellow
~ 2” wide
Long bloom period – open over a period of time
Showy indeed!
Fruits: red, globular, sweet; loved by birds, animals
Vegetative reproduction: yes
© 2005 Dieter Wilken © 2007 John M. Taylor
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Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any local; well-
drained is better
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: likes good winter
rains; supplement if needed
Summer: like to be dry in summer: Zone 1-2 probably optimal
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
smaller native cacti
Attractive as pot plants
In a cactus/succulent garden
In a local coastal garden with it’s natural associates: Coyote Bush, Sticky Monkeyflower, Lemonadeberry, local native grasses and annual wildflowers
Note: plant is rare in CA, still common in Baja
Fire-retardant plant
© 2007 Halleh Paymard
http://cactiguide.com/Bergerocactus.htm
© Project SOUND
Propagating cacti from cuttings – easy (at
least in theory)
Carefully remove a pad or offset (cut or pull off)
Let the wound callus over (a week to up to a month)
Place pad (wounded side down) in potting mix (I use commercial mix with added perlite or sand)
Place in bright shade
Water when soil begins to dry out
Wait – may take a while
© Project SOUND
Be careful of all the spiny structures when
working with cacti
The glochids get into your skin and are very irritating. If you cannot get them out, you end up with something that resembles an infected mosquito bite.
Preferred method of removal: apply sticky tape to them and lift them out. Glochids are generally too fine to be grasped with tweezers.
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Purchasing native cacti & succulents
Many native species are rare or endangered
Never collect in nature without a permit
Buy only from reputable dealers
http://calplants.biz/yuccawhipplei.html
© Project SOUND
Local cacti, Yucca & Agaves are great for
those out-of-the way slopes
© 2006 Vince Scheidt © 2006 Vince Scheidt
© Project SOUND
*Our Lord’s Candle – Hesperoyucca (Yucca) whipplei
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Yuccas – the genus Yucca
There are at least 50 species of Yucca within the Agavaceae - numerous subspecies, varieties, forms, cultivars and hybrids.
Occur exclusively in the Americas, distributed over a wide area from Canada into Central America and the Carribean
There are species adapted to dry deserts, grasslands and tropical rainforests.
All but one species (Y. whipplei) can flower many times (polycarpic) and produce side-shoots to compensate for loss of the apical growing point by its conversion into a flower bud.
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Yucca_whipplei.htm
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Yuccas are pollinated by
special ‘Yucca Moths’
Self pollination of Yucca flowers of many species is impossible, although a few are self-fertile.
Most Yuccas are pollinated exclusively by small Yucca moths with the plant and moth totally dependent on each other.
Recent research has shown that there are at least 16 different Yucca Moths (Tegeticula species) - all are specialized in pollinating their "own" Yucca species.
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/chaparralyucca.html
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
We’ll be talking about Yucca another time
© Project SOUND
The Agaves – genus Agave
Closely related to the Yuccas – both in Agavaceae Family
Agaves are not cacti (or even closely related to cacti) - are closely related to the lily and amaryllis families
Primarily from Mexico, but also occur in the southern and western United States and central and tropical South America.
Have a large rosette of thick fleshy leaves, each ending generally in a sharp point and with a spiny margin;
The stout stem (caudex) is usually short - the leaves appear to arise from the root.
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Agavaceae/Agave_shawii.html
© Project SOUND
The Agaves – genus Agave
Popular ornamental plants.
Each rosette grows slowly to flower only once. During flowering a tall stem or "mast" grows from the center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of shortly tubular flowers.
After development of fruit the original plant dies, but suckers are frequently produced from the base of the stem which become new plants.
Agave species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) species
http://www.oceanoasis.org/fieldguide/agav-sha.html
© Project SOUND
*Coastal Agave – Agave shawii
© 2005 Vince Scheidt
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*Coastal Agave – Agave shawii
Pacific coast from S. San Diego Co. to Baja
Grows immediate to the coast, often in sandy soils
coastal bluffs and slopes coastal sage scrub community maritime succulent scrub
community
Grows with many of our local native plants, including Golden-spine Cereus
Habitat is often quite low & open
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8350,8352
© Project SOUND
Shaw’s Agave in maritime shrub community
© 2005 Vince Scheidt
© Project SOUND
Plant associates include many from our
coastal shrub & prairie communities
© 2005 Vince Scheidt
http://www.geographylists.com/sandiegoplants.html © Project SOUND
Shaw’s Agave – stunning in the right place
Size: 2-3 ft tall (rosette); flowering stalk
much taller (15-40 ft. tall) 3-6 ft wide
Growth form: Clumping evergreen succulent Spreads by suckering from the caudex
(produces ‘pups’) Very showy & unusual
Foliage: Leaf color: varies from dark blue-green
to yellow-green Stout sharp tip-spine as well as curved
leaf margin spines – place away from walkways, etc.
http://www.pitzer.edu/offices/arboretum/scott_lawn/desert.html
© 2006 Steve Matson
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http://www.delange.org/AgaveCoastal/AgaveCoastal.htm
© Project SOUND
What a show when Agaves bloom!!
Blooms: Variable; almost any time of
year in western L.A. Co. Takes about 15 years to
flower
Flowers: On stout tall flowering stalk Showy, bright yellow flowers Attract a number of insects,
including moths
Seeds: Flat, black seeds in thick pod Can grow agaves from seed –
may have many infertile seeds
Vegetative reproduction: usually many ‘pups’ to replace the plant that just flowered.
© Project SOUND
Growing Agaves
- well-drained soil
Soils: Texture: any as long as
drainage is good; love sandy, rocky soils
pH: any local except low pH (<6)
Light: Coastal – full sun
Hot, inland gardens – light (afternoon) shade
Water: Winter: needs good drainage;
plant on slopes, or other well-drained situations
Summer: Like to be fairly dry (Zone 1-2; water several times per summer); no overhead water
Fertilizer: none; like poor soils
© Project SOUND
Agaves make great
accent plants
In very large pots/planters – remember, these are large plants
Look wonderful in hillsides/slopes
Looks equally at home with other cacti & succulents – or with coastal prairie/shrubland plants
Good player in a rock garden
Excellent accent against gray-green foliage
http://www.sbbg.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=livingcollections.plantDetail&plant_id=28
http://www.delange.org/AgaveCoastal/AgaveCoastal.htm
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Agave & Yucca as food and fiber
Flowers, leaves & stem are edible
http://media.photobucket.com/image/Tequila/ccerna/tequila.jpg
http://www.nps.gov/zion/historyculture/yucca-sandal.htm http://www.so-utah.com/feature/anasazi/homepage.html
http://www.cowboyshowcase.com/glossary%20personalgear.htm
http://www.howka.com/scrapbook/ciba_2005/
© Project SOUND
Agave attenuata: a Mexican species
available in the U.S.
http://www.geographylists.com/sandiegoplants.html http://www.cactusjungle.com/blog/2008/09/30/berkeley-succulent-garden-3/
© Project SOUND
Agave ‘Blue Flame’
Combines the features of its parent species: A. shawii X A. attenuata
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2871
http://www.huntington.org/BotanicalDiv/ISI2005/isi/2005-06.html © Project SOUND
Cacti & succulents from Baja & other
parts of Mexico, SW U.S.
Lots of wonderful species – but are they right for my yard?
http://museum.utep.edu/chih/gardens/succulen/succulen.htm
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Using species from CA & SW desert regions
Contrary to popular belief, western L.A. county is not ‘a desert’
Challenges for using desert cacti/succulents: Soil must be well-drained Wet years and fog may kill
the plants – fungal diseases
Some species (from Sonoran Desert – in south) need a ‘summer monsoon’ period – you’ll have to give them it
Advice: Learn as much as you can
about the requirements/ habitat of a species before you purchase it
Be really careful in planning your Water Zones
http://www.nps.gov/cagr/forkids/the-sonoran-desert.htm http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nm/top-national-monuments-7.html
© Project SOUND
The same advice goes for
succulents from other places
Know as much as you can about their requirements
Be sure that you group compatible plants – just because they are succulent doesn’t mean they have the same requirements http://www.gardeninggonewild.com/?p=3666
http://sdccs-oasis.blogspot.com/2008/02/bring-your-succulent-cuttings-your-old.html
© Project SOUND
Our local climate allows us to grow special succulents
– the Dudleyas
Dudleyas thrive in our mild,
coastal-influenced
Mediterranean climate
© Project SOUND
The Stonecrop Family: Crassulaceae
~ 1500 species
Most genera exhibit some leaf succulence
Many species are used widely as garden and house plants Examples: The genus Crassula includes the well-known Jade
Plants and other small sub-shrubs, choice minatures and mat-forming plants.
Cotyledon includes interesting shrubby species with succulent stems and leaves. Some species have showy tubular yellow, orange or red flowers.
Echeverias are often used in rock gardens and indoor plants.
Kalanchoe includes plants with showy flowers.
Sedums are well known for hardy mat-forming Stonecrops which provides useful flower color in the garden in late summer and early autumn.
http://www.southampton.bcss.org.uk/images/image145.jpg
Echeverias
Kalanchoe
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The Live-forevers: genus Dudleya
Named for William Russel Dudley (1849-1911), first professor of botany and head of the Botany Department at Stanford University
~ 40 species; native to the arid western United States (in particular, Southwest/ Northern California and Oregon), Baja California.
Very similar in appearance to other Stonecrops (sempervivum; sedum; echeveria).
Often grow in stone crevasses or sand dunes with little or no organic soil.
Long-lived (to 100+ years for some species) hence the common name
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Rus
sell_Dudley_(1849-1911).jpg
© Project SOUND
Many Dudleyas have small or threatened distribution: some are very rare
Like many California native plants, dudleyas are now considered rare, threatened or endangered, depending on the species. All are protected by law, making it illegal to remove any plants from their natural habitat.
More are coming into cultivation – but many still are not available
Dudleya greenii – a Channel
Islands endemic
© Project SOUND
Taxonomic confusion: is that an Echeveria or a Dudleya?
Quite similar-looking; but with a few important differences
Several local species were formerly included in Echeveria: Canyon Live-forever – Dudleya cymosa Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta Ladyfinger Dudleya – Dudleya edulis
Echeveria Dudleya
http://www.collectorscorner.com.au/Cacti/Echeveri
a%20main.htm
© Project SOUND
Dudleya flowers are slightly different
Dudleya flowers arise from somewhere near the bottom of the rosettes normally (rarely from the rosette center as most Echeveria flowers do).
Dudleyas & Echeverias do not form hybrids between the 2 genera; Dudleyas only interbreed with other Dudleyas
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But the real difference – and the most important for gardeners – relates to their history
Dudleyas Native to the ‘Pacific Plate’ Adapted to rainy winters & hot, dry
summers Winter-growing; summer dormant Can kill them with too much summer
water
Echeverias Native to the ‘North American Plate’ Adapted to rainy summers & dry winters Summer growing; winter dormant Can kill them with too much winter
water
The two genera have been separated for long
enough that each is very well adapted to its
own environment
© Project SOUND
So…it’s recommended to NOT combine both in
the same part of the garden
Summer watering of Dudleyas should be very occasional: they are very summer ‘water-wise’ compared to Echeverias
Most Dudleyas & Echeverias do best in well-drained soils; gravelly/sandy
The roots of some Dudleya species do not absorb moisture well in the high heat; water simply rots the roots (susceptible to root rot fungi).
Treat as Zone 1-2 (water only several times a summer & not at summer’s end)
Dudleyas in very well-drained soils (sandy) or in pots should be treated as Zone 2
Dudleya virens ssp hassei
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.as
p?plant_id=538
© Project SOUND
Dudleyas can also rot from the crown or leaves, particularly if water is left sitting on the delicate leaves (some are more sensitive than others).
Either avoid getting water on the leaves, or plant them at angles so the water runs off.
In nature, many species grow naturally on cliff faces and steep slopes so water cannot sit on these plants.
Excess water also attracts snails and slugs – which love Dudleyas
Dudleya virens ssp hassei
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.as
p?plant_id=538
Bottom line: best to not combine Dudleyas with succulents that have
very different water requirements (Echeverias; Sedums; etc.) © Project SOUND
Container gardens – allow you to provide
just the right conditions
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
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Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp hassei
© Project SOUND
Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp insularis
© Project SOUND
Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens
Two local subspecies: ssp. hassei – Catalina
ssp. insularis – Palos Verdes, S. Channel Islands
On steep slopes in chaparral, coastal bluff scrub, and coastal sage scrub habitats below 1000 ft.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Dudleya+virens
© Project SOUND
Characteristics of ssp. hassei
Size:
< 6 in. tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Spreading clump of
succulent rosettes
Evergreen; dries in summer
Foliage: Succulent, cylindrical
leaves
Color: blue-green to more yellow-green
Flowers: pale yellow on pale pink stalk
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_virens
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Characteristics of ssp. insularis
Size: a bit bigger
~ 1 ft tall
1-2+ ft wide
Growth form: Spreading clump of succulent
rosettes
Evergreen; dries in summer
Foliage: Succulent, cylindrical leaves
Color: blue-green to more yellow-green; usually more glaucus (white farina) than ssp. hassei
Flowers: pale pink-yellow on brighter pink stalk
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Dudleya flowers are
usually showy
Blooms: Generally are mid-late spring-
bloomers
Usually Apr-June even July in S. Bay
Flowers: In general small; < ¾ inch
Many flowers on flowering stems held above or away from the foliage
Often yellow, orange, pink or red; may be pale or bright
Often light fragrance
Great hummingbird flowers!
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements
for Dudleya virens
Soils: Texture: best in light, well-
drained soil, but can succeed in many gardens
pH: any local
Light: Full sun only in coastal area
Light shade (afternoon shade) in hotter inland gardens; needs enough sun for good color, shape
Water: Winter: needs good winter rains
Summer: keep fairly dry – Zone 1-2 best
Fertilizer: likes poor soils; can lightly fertilize (1/5 strength) in winter (esp. in pots)
© 2005 BonTerra Consulting © Project SOUND
Dudleyas in the
garden
Attractive pot plants
Good for succulent ground-covers (best in small areas; smaller varieties (spp. hassei) work best)
Excellent choice for rock gardens, dry-stone walls, retaining walls
Bordering paths or in fronts of dry beds
On hillsides, slopes
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2987
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© Project SOUND
Growing Dudleyas in containers
Dudleyas grow well in pots and make excellent outdoor specimens in Mediterranean climates.
Potting soil should be very well-draining; amend potting soils with sharp sand and pumice to insure good drainage.
Watering: treat as Zone 2; monitor carefully in hot weather
Light: afternoon shade or bright shade best
Propagation: easiest by removing rooted offsets (pups), but can be from seed
Dudleya farinosa
© Project SOUND
Other considerations for growing Dudleyas
Bright light is integral to the proper growth of this genus.
Plants grown in low-light will lose their color, grow tall and spindly and will eventually die.
Most Dudleyas make poor houseplants
Most Dudleyas do best with moderate temperatures - protect from blistering afternoon heat, frosts (particularly if in pots)
Potting soil should be very well-draining; use a cactus mix or amend available soils with sharp sand and pumice to insure good drainage.
© Project SOUND
Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm © Project SOUND
Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta
Coastal regions from San Luis Obispo south into Baja
Locally in Santa Monica Mtns., western San Gabriels
Rocky cliffs and canyons below 3000 feet
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3327,3329
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© Project SOUND
Striking, large plant in the Santa Monica Mtns
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm
© Project SOUND
Chalk Dudleya is very Echeveria-like
Size:
1-2 ft tall
1-2 ft wide (flower stalks wider)
Growth form: Evergreen succulent
Becomes somewhat dry in summer
Foliage: Leaves flat, end in sharp tips
completely covered with a mealy white powder - hence "pulverulenta" or "powdery."
Stem (caudex) becomes thickened with age – more so than other species
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DUPU
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=1536&account=none
© Project SOUND
Flowers are like no
others: dramatic!
Blooms: spring/early summer; typical for Dudleyas
Flowers: On long flowering stalks –
plan accordingly
Note hummingbird-plant features:
Red color;
Shape;
Flowers held away from plant to allow access
Heavy duty, sweet nectar
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/dudleyc5.htm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2606066487_0aaaf1ed09.jpg?v=0
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/Anna%27s_Hummingbird_on_chalk_dudlea.jpg
© Project SOUND
Why Crassulaceae are called ‘Stonecrops’
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/02/sedum_spathulifolium.php
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© Project SOUND
Give them what
they like…
Plant them in/near rocks Naturally occurring Local boulders brought in to
add interest
Plant them on slopes – or plant the rosette at an angle rather than horizontal
Water only occasionally during summer – Zone 1-2 about right
No overhead water in summer
D. virens ssp. hassei
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93452909@N00/191287029/
Dudleya pulverulenta
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241664905/
© Project SOUND
Be creative with rocks
& Dudleyas
Sometimes man-made stone structures are perfect places for Dudleyas
http://img4.sunset.com/i/2009/04/dream-gardens-stone-seat-l.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/241665013/in/photostream/
http://www.marrsandersen.com/California-plants/California-
plants-Pages/Image28.html
© Project SOUND
Silver Dollar Plant
Dudleya brittonii
Baja native; widely available in native plant nurseries
Large rosette - > 1 ft. diameter
Brilliant white color; extremely showy
Requires excellent drainage: Sandy or rocky soil Niches in rock walls Clay pots with well-
drained soil
http://www.hotgardens.net/succulent_cactus_gallery.htm
http://image54.webshots.com/154/5/90/28/539959028nsjBLY_fs.jpg
© Project SOUND
Dudleya ‘Palos Verdes’ – a lucky accident
Probably hybrid : D. pulverulenta X D. brittonii
Good characteristics of both parents
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3232
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© Project SOUND
Maintaining Dudleyas: fairly easy
No pruning is necessary, although dudleya will benefit from a beheading (stem cutting) if the plant becomes old or tall and spindly.
You may want to remove any leaves which have died. This will help to avoid rot and bugs.
Avoid touching the healthy leaves - your body oils will leave marks or remove farina.
© Project SOUND
Keeping Dudleyas healthy: summary
Plant in well-drained soils, at an angle
Water properly; depends on soils
Promote good air circulation
Don’t stress the plants: heat, cold
Prevent & treat common problems:
Aphids & Mealy bugs: prevent Argentine ants from introducing mealybugs or aphids to your dudleyas - Mealybugs particularly attack roots
Snails & slugs: don’t over-water; remove
Rabbits & deer: exclude from garden area
For greatest success in cultivation, choose species from your local area.
© Project SOUND
Designing with succulents
Accent plants whether alone or interplanted
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gXhU4_V-Hhg78Lwpg9OOZQ
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iiUK9e2RW16pM8msvsmB4g
© Project SOUND
Designing with succulents: use shape &
color contrasts to create
interest
Dudleya pulverulenta (l) & D. edulis (r)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72544341@N00/2310150657
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© Project SOUND
Containers, plants & mulch should complement
http://lasmmcnps.org/images/Dudleya%20pulverulenta%202.JPG
Native succulents Dudleya pulverulenta
(chalk dudleya) Dudleya edulis (San Diego
dudleya) and a small Sedum spathulifolium
(stonecrop)
© Project SOUND
*Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
© 2000 Salvatore Zimmitti
© Project SOUND
*Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis
Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties south to Baja
Rocky slopes, hillsides, ledges below 4000’
coastal sage scrub, chaparral
edulis : edible http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3295,3319
© Project SOUND
In the wild, grows on slopes or rock faces
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
http://www.miriameaglemon.com/photogallery/Plants.htm
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© Project SOUND
Ladyfinger Dudleya: small and upright
Size:
to 1 ft tall
1+ ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen succulent
Spreads by forming new rosettes; may become mat-like in right setting
Foliage: Blue-green to light green
with white cast; may be pink tinged
Leaves finger-like, upright
© 2009 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
Ladyfinger flowers are
delicate & pretty
Flowers: Pale color- range from
white to light yellow or light peach
Open star shape – quaint appearing
Showy red or orange anthers – really distinctive
© 2005 Jasmine J. Watts
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm
© Project SOUND
Lady-fingers stars in pots or as
a ground cover
Nice in a large pot – fills the pot or plant with other species; place it where you can enjoy the flowers
Great groundcover on slopes or in small areas; will fill in around rocks
You can even use it as a house plant http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastbaywilds/3526601427/
http://www.kenbowles.net/sdwildflowers/FamilyIndexes/Crassulaceae/FotoIndex.htm © Project SOUND
Or you can increase the drainage by
creating small berms
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© Project SOUND
Who knows, we may be talking about rock
gardens in 2010…
http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf
© Project SOUND
From lawn to
succulent garden…
http://www.indahbulan.com/tantenbaum.html
© Project SOUND
Hillsides work well
for cacti & succulents
Promote plant health by providing good drainage
Allow the viewer to see/appreciate each species
A fire-wise alternative
Decrease challenges of watering steep slopes
http://www.casperlandscape.com/22_view.html © Project SOUND
Sometimes a small
succulent is needed
http://www.hotgardens.net/succulent_cactus_gallery.htm
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-really-small-succulent-
garden-050680
Ladyfinger Dudleya would work
well – but there are others
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© Project SOUND
‘White Sprite’ – Dudleya gnoma
Native to Santa Rosa Island – rare in nature
Small and charming
Readily available
http://www.desert-
tropicals.com/Plants/Crassulaceae/Dudleya_gno
ma.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Dudleya_greenei
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=1531 © Project SOUND
More small-sized Dudleyas from S. CA
© 2006 Steve Matson
© 2006 Vince Scheidt
Dudleya attenuata ssp. orcuttii
© 2006 Steve Matson
Dudleya cymosa ssp. pumila
© Project SOUND
Dudleyas are so versatile : formal or informal
http://www.ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/more-showcase-2009-023-341x455.jpg
http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html
© Project SOUND
Lance-leaf Dudleya
Dudleya lanceolata
Local mountain ranges including both coastal & desert ranges; also Palos Verdes peninsula
Interesting foliage color & shape
Flowers very showy – hot pink
http://kristamaxwell.com/garden/photos2.html
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/lanceleafdudleya.html
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© Project SOUND
Have a sunny spot, clay soil? Consider a
Sedum The genus Sedum is composed of
around 400 species native mainly to rocky, mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Sedum belongs to the plant family Crassulaceae
Many sedums are easygoing, adaptable, and hardy
Generally they prefer full sun or light shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Most need some summer water
http://www.villagegreenperennialnursery.com/images/sedums.jpg
We have a cute little Sedum from the San
Gabriel Mtns © 2008 Matt Below
© Project SOUND
*Broadleaf Stonecrop – Sedum spathulifolium
© 2003 Tim Sullivan
© Project SOUND
*Broadleaf Stonecrop – Sedum spathulifolium
From the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains to British Columbia
Coastal cliffs, rocky outcroppings and north and east facing slopes, often in somewhat shaded places, to about 7500’
Spring fed seeps or rainfall moist much of our winter and spring. In summer they are bone dry.
Common companion plants are mosses and liverworts.
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?3284,3347,3366
© Project SOUND
A pleasant surprise in San Gabriels
http://socalbutterflies.com/plants_html/sedum_spath.htm
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© Project SOUND
Broadleaf Stonecrop looks like a garden succulent
Size:
< 1ft tall
1-3 ft wide; spreading
Growth form: Evergreen succulent
Spreads quickly; mat-forming
Stems are fragile; don’t walk on
Foliage: Leaves of coastal forms may be
chalky white, or even white edged with red-purple.
Mountain/inland forms have vivid-green to blue-green leaves.
Leaves are succulent, in tight rosettes; ‘spoon-shaped’ hence the name..
© 2007 Neal Kramer
© Project SOUND
Flowers are typically
Stonecrop
Blooms: usually May-July in W. L.A. county.
Flowers: Bright yellow
Star-like, on flowering stems
Plants are self-fertile
Seeds: Many tiny seeds
Propagate like other Crassulaceae
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Vegetative propagation of succulents: easy
Divisions (all succulents):
In the spring, dig around the outside of the mother plant with a trowel and pry away a few stems with roots on them.
Cut back each stem, leaving just one or two pairs of leaves, and either pot it up or plant it directly in the ground.
Stem/leaf cuttings (not Dudleyas):
Simply cut off about 6 inches of the stem tip, strip off the lowest set of leaves, and cut the remaining upper leaves in half.
Stick each cutting in damp sand, firming it in so that it’s snug, and in a few weeks your cuttings will have formed roots.
To determine when the cuttings have enough roots to plant, tug on them lightly from time to time. When you feel resistance, the root system has established itself.
http://www.cactuscenter.com/Sedum%20reflexum.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vsny/128010334/in/set-72057594106082534/
© Project SOUND
Sedums – so easy Sedums thrive in sunny places,
but they will also manage well enough in partial shade.
They’re among the easiest of perennials. Stick them in clay soil and they thrive, plant them in rocky places and they flourish.
If you want them to grow quickly and heartily, mulch with a little compost.
You can water them on the same schedule as your other hardy perennials or treat them with benign neglect - their succulent leaves store water, making them drought-tolerant.
© 2007 Neal Kramer
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© Project SOUND
Sedum spathulifolium
ssp. pruinosum
‘Cape Blanco’
Outstanding white foliage
Dense rosettes
http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/nativeplants/Sedum_spathulifoliumCapeBlanco.html
https://appserver1.kwantlen.ca/apps/plantid/plantid.nsf/lookup/4572A7F6E488932B88256F020064A798?OpenDocument © Project SOUND
Sedum spathulifolium
‘Purpureum’
Purple-red foliage, with white centers
Really showy! http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/perennials/Sedum_spathulifoliumPurpureum.html
http://www.findmeplants.co.uk/plant-sedum--spathulifolium-2064.aspx
© Project SOUND
Sedum spathulifolium
‘Blood Red’
The name says it all – truly red tipped foliage
Nice contrast with white foliage plants or pink-flowering plants
© Project SOUND
Sedum spathulifolium
‘Carnea’
Cute little guy (< 6 inches) with pink-purple tinged foliage
http://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=4255
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© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Sedums: the sky’s the
limit
© 2004, Ben Legler
http://www.succulent-plant.com/tufa.html
Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco’, 'Purpureum'
© Project SOUND
Where to go for design inspiration?
There are many good books that are a good starting place – but
the best option is to see our native succulents growing in local
gardens
© Project SOUND
Local gardens for inspiration
Local native plant gardens
Huntington Library gardens
L.A. Arboretum
South Coast Botanic Garden
Getty Center
http://www.hotgardens.net/succulent_cactus_gallery.htm
© Project SOUND
Let’s go see some succulents!
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