Portland Cement Association site on Stucco, "the common term for portland cement plaster, is a popular exterior finish for buildings. It provides an economical hard surface that is rot, rust, and fire resistant, which can be colored and finished in a wide range of textures to adorn any architectural style." This site includes suppliers and masons, etc.

DoItYourself.com on stucco.

FAQs from one brand called LaHabra.

I grew up in a stucco house in Everett, Washington. I seem to recall patches had to be repaired every so often. Our stucco house was painted (I included this FAQ because it discusses painting stucco, or at least, this type of stucco).

SRS