Dudleya brittonii (Giant Chalk Dudleya)
← Back to Plant DatabaseDudleya brittonii
Giant Chalk Dudleya
Characteristics
Height: 3 - 8 ft
Width: 1 – 2 ft
Hardiness: Very Hardy
Natural Setting: Rocky slopes in chaparral or coastal sage scrub
Plant Type: Succulent, Perennial
Dormancy: Summer Deciduous
Form: Spreading
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Season: Spring/summer
Soil: Adaptable, prefers rocky sloped sites
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Water Requirements: Low once established
Cold Tolerance: Tolerates cold to 20° F
Overview
Wonderful container plant and rock garden specimen. The blooms attract various pollinators, including hummingbirds who love the showy red/yellow blooms. Native to coastal cliffs where it grows out out of cracks in rocks and rocky slopes. One of the most evergreen Dudleya and gets the largest.
Care & Maintenance
These Dudleya do best when planted at a slight angle to allow water to drain out of the rosette. When planted flush with the soil, water can accumulate around the center of the plant and cause it to rot. They do best in well-draining soil and like being surrounded by rocks. The rocks help keep the roots cool in the summer. This species likes to be summer-dry and will go partially dormant. You can keep them looking less dormant with a once-a-month careful deep soak in the summer months.
Uses
Great addition to a rock garden or container garden.
Anecdotal Experiences
Established plants don’t need any additionally water
We encourage you to comment below and share your own experiences and recommendations for this species.
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One of the most garden tolerant species of manzanita, so a good species to start with if you want to try a manzanita.