Thanks for all of the responses, everyone. You've given me lots to think about!My Aloe vera unfortunately bit the dust this winter, so they are not cold hardy for my area. I have O. humifusa growing wildly in my backyard so there is lots of that to experiment with, and I probably will try some in my problem spot. I have some cold hardy sedums that I will take cuttings of and try there too, and I can always put more gravel down as suggested. If I ever run into O. ellisiana at Lowes or Home Depot, I will pick it up and try it out (mostly because of the no spine comment!)
Thanks again for all of the advice and suggestions!
