Overview
Dudleya viscida is a bushy cactus succulent in the genus Dudleya, part of the Crassulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dudleya viscida grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and sub-tropical.
About
Dudleya viscida is a rare succulent plant known by common name as the sticky liveforever, sticky dudleya or the San Juan stylophyllum. It is endemic to California, where it is found on rocky slopes. It is unique among the genus Dudleya in that it has sticky, fragrant leaves, a trait only shared with Dudleya anomala. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for patio and container plants and sub-tropical. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dudleya viscida
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dudleya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Dudleya viscida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dudleya viscida
- Propagation
- Seed, Stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- Basal rots if watered out of season when dormant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dudleya viscida?
Dudleya viscida prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dudleya viscida need?
Dudleya viscida grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dudleya viscida hardy in the UK?
Dudleya viscida has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Dudleya viscida?
Seed, Stem cuttings.
More in the Dudleya genus
- Dudleya abramsii
- Dudleya acuminata
- Dudleya caespitosa
- Dudleya cymosa
- Dudleya farinosa
- Dudleya gatesii
- Dudleya ingens
- Dudleya lanceolata
