Species Suggestions

[Allen Repashy]

Since I know very little about this family.. and the only species I have is Hoodia gordonii.... Can anyone make a top ten list of species that I can grow in the ground here in Bonsall... I am on a hill and get a frost now and then, but was above the damage line when we had the big freeze three winters ago. I have Aeoneums, Echeveria, even some Dorstenia gigas in the ground. I would love some specimens to fill in between some of the many boulders on my hillside. My soil is pretty much straight decomposed granite, so drainage is not a problem... and I am planting on slopes.

Allen

[Steve Steward]

Caralluma acutangula, gets big with stinky black flowers.
Caralluma socotranum, cool shape/color with bright red flowers.
Matelea (Gonolobus) cyclophylla, nice caudex and cool black/purplish flowers.
Matelea (Gonolobus) edulis, vining matelea.
Stapelia flavopupurea, small plant with awesome flowers.
Asclepias albicans, drought hardy 8ft milkweed.
Asclepias erosa, another super-arid milkweed with cool flowers.

Not sure how low the socotranum can take with temps, but the others should do ok. Asking me to list just a few of my favorite Aslepiads is tough! You may be able to grow a few Orbeas as well.