Mission lettuce

Dudleya edulis, known as Mission lettuce, is a compact succulent with upright, cylindrical leaves that form dense clusters. It grows on rocky coastal slopes in California and Baja California, where its pale flowers rise above olive-green foliage. The species suits containers and rock gardens where water drains freely. ## Site and seasonal interest Give Mission lettuce full sun or light afternoon shade, especially in hotter inland sites. Use a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix or a raised rocky bed, and water sparingly after the plant is established. Its white to cream flowers open from late spring into summer; the short flower stalks bring bees and other visitors. The foliage holds its green tone through the growing season, though drought and heat can cause reddish stress coloring. Sources: [California Species Project](https://californiaspecies.com/species/dudleya-edulis) and [California Flora Nursery](https://www.calfloranursery.com/plants/dudleya-edulis/). ## Maintenance Avoid frequent summer irrigation and keep the crown above standing water. Remove spent flower stalks after flowering if a tidy appearance is desired; otherwise, leave them in place. Protect the plant from prolonged wet soil and provide bright light with some afternoon shelter in hot, dry gardens.