Dudleya brittonii

giant chalk dudleya
This chalky white dudleya grows on rocky hillsides near Tijuana and Ensenada. Prefers zero to minimal summer water. Pale yellow flowers on tall spikey looking stems. Nice in pots.
Dudleya brittoniiDudleya brittoniiDudleya brittoniiDudleya brittonii
height 6–18in
width 12–20in
tolerates Drought, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Lowest
water
info		 Dudleya thrive best in areas that aren’t too far from the coast. They appreciate winter rains and fog drip during the summer, but often respond poorly to heavy summer watering. At a minimum, be sure dudleya are bone dry before watering during summer. Waiting for the lower leaves to shrivel will help ensure you aren’t overwatering. If you choose to withhold summer water entirely, your dudleya may look withered or ‘dead’ by August, with only a few inner leaves still succulent, but then will plump up quickly with rain (or irrigation) in the fall.

They grow in rocky outcrops, so good drainage is essential, especially if you plan on watering during summer to keep the plant from looking too stressed.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin Baja, MX
california
native		 Yes
sunset
zones		 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Dudleya are from our Mediterranean climate, making them very carefree on the coast of California. Though they can be planted year round, planting during the fall coincides nicely with the plant’s active growing season.
On the coast they love full sun, but if they are grown inland, give them some afternoon shade.
Upright shoots of dangling candy corn flowers are usually present in the spring. They come in warm colors from yellow to red and pink. Prune off older dead flower spikes once they are dry and brittle.
Dudleya leaves are even more delicate than other succulents, so be sure they are handled gingerly and placed away from high traffic areas.
Extremely salt tolerant.
Will grow in dry shade along the coast, as long as summer water is completely withheld.
With time develops a beard of crusty dried leaves at the base, which can be removed to expose a short trunk.

Special Interest

Goes with the all white moon viewing garden, or the high contrast garden, where it pops amongst dark colors.

On dewy mornings check the center of this Dudleya’s rosette. You may find mercurial orbs of dew encapsulated in powdery residue. This is an adaptation that allows Dudleya brittonii to collect tiny bit of precipitation in a dry, coastal climate.