That's interesting, Ursula. Sunset recommends planting on slopes with fast drainage, and that's where I've seen them at San Diego Wild Animal Park. We're talking gritty soil and VERY little rain. Now that I think of it, the wine country to the south is almost the same. I was trying to decide if I could plant one in a large container, with the appropriate mix, but Sunset also says nonalkaline water, which may become a problem for me. I can fix the ph of the mix, and I can fix the consistency of the mix, but I cant fix how much water makes it into my rain barrels. There are Protea growers in San Diego county, so I might give a call, but I really don't like asking Growers, who sell their plants for advice. Andy, for instance, will sell you anything he has in stock with no remorse. That's why I prefer to deal with his help.