Palmer's Live-for-ever — Bay Area Native Plants

Care

Water

very low

Size

0–0ft tall

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Edible

Leaves eaten raw or cooked; traditionally consumed as food

Native Range

Coastal bluffs and chaparral of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, below 1000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Palmer's Liveforever in a container or well-draining location - this coastal succulent needs excellent drainage to thrive. While sun exposure specifics aren't detailed in the data, its native habitat along the California coast suggests it tolerates coastal conditions. Space plants about 8 inches apart if grouping multiple rosettes, and plan to plant during the mild Bay Area seasons (fall through spring) when establishment stress is lowest.

After Planting

Water very sparingly once established; this plant's "liveforever" name reflects its drought tolerance, and overwatering is the #1 killer of Dudleya species. Reduce watering frequency as the plant matures through its first year, moving toward the minimal water schedule this native coastal plant requires by year two. Deer won't bother it, and you can enjoy the tall pink or green flower stems with yellow-to-red blooms without much intervention beyond leaving it mostly alone.

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