simply succulent 2009

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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

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This lecture was given in June, 2009 as part of the California native plant gardening series ‘Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden’

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Page 1: Simply succulent    2009

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Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Local cacti, Yucca & Agaves are great for

those out-of-the way slopes

© 2006 Vince Scheidt © 2006 Vince Scheidt

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*Our Lord’s Candle – Hesperoyucca (Yucca) whipplei

© 2003 BonTerra Consulting

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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

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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

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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

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*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

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Shaw’s Agave in maritime shrub community

© 2005 Vince Scheidt

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Plant associates include many from our

coastal shrub & prairie communities

© 2005 Vince Scheidt

http://www.geographylists.com/sandiegoplants.html

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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

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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.

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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Our local climate allows us to grow special succulents

– the Dudleyas

Dudleyas thrive in our mild,

coastal-influenced

Mediterranean climate

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.)

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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

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Bright Green Dudleya – Dudleya virens ssp insularis

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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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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

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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.

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Chalk Dudleya – Dudleya pulverulenta ssp. pulverulenta

http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm

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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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Striking, large plant in the Santa Monica Mtns

http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Dudleya_pulverulenta.htm

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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

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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

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Why Crassulaceae are called ‘Stonecrops’

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/02/sedum_spathulifolium.php

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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/

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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

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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

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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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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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)

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*Ladyfinger Live-forever – Dudleya edulis

© 2000 Salvatore Zimmitti

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*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

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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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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

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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

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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

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Or you can increase the drainage by

creating small berms

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Who knows, we may be talking about rock

gardens in 2010…

http://slosson.ucdavis.edu/documents/2005-200610656.pdf

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From lawn to

succulent garden…

http://www.indahbulan.com/tantenbaum.html

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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

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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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‘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

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More small-sized Dudleyas from S. CA

© 2006 Steve Matson

© 2006 Vince Scheidt

Dudleya attenuata ssp. orcuttii

© 2006 Steve Matson

Dudleya cymosa ssp. pumila

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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

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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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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

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*Broadleaf Stonecrop – Sedum spathulifolium

© 2003 Tim Sullivan

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*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

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A pleasant surprise in San Gabriels

http://socalbutterflies.com/plants_html/sedum_spath.htm

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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

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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

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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/

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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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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

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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

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Sedum spathulifolium

‘Blood Red’

The name says it all – truly red tipped foliage

Nice contrast with white foliage plants or pink-flowering plants

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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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Garden uses for

Sedums: the sky’s the

limit

© 2004, Ben Legler

http://www.succulent-plant.com/tufa.html

Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco’, 'Purpureum'

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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

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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

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Let’s go see some succulents!