San Diego Dudleya, or Fingertips Dudleya is a great container plant. Drought tolerant and durable, plant in morning sun to full sun. Do not plant in full blasting sun (like a South facing wall or along a western facing sidewalk). Like many Dudleya, they appreciate a bit more shade than we would normally give to a plant that we define as a ‘succulent’. If you do place it a full sun exposure, place a rock to the Southwest of it. Not only is this good for it in terms of recreating it’s site ecology (indeed, most Dudleya should be mulched with gravel rather than woodchips), but it will also create a moist spot for the Dudleya to send its roots into. The Southwest rock will also provide shade for the Dudleya during the worst part of the day.

Combine with other Dudleya’s for succulent pots, textural and sculptural planting beds, or winter color, which is when this Dudleya tends to bloom when it’s happy. I like to plant this Northeast of Britton’s Dudleya so the larger Britton’s Dudleya gives shade to the smaller San Diego Dudleya (along with a rock, as mentioned before).

Plant in areas that receive morning sun so the plant can dry off from morning dew as fast as possible. Like many Dudleyas, San Diego Dudleya seems to be vulnerable to powdery mildew. Spray with horticultural oil as early as possible to prevent unsightly lesions. Give good drainage.

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