Has been grown in this area for decades, been said to be hardy to about 10 degrees F. I believe*. Local public gardens have grown them, independent garden centers or specialty nurseries often have a few plants. A friend has one maybe 10 ft. tall growing where he rents in Edmonds. It is in the open.

*So it will be hardy most of the time but can be expected to go down in a 30 year winter, such as the one in 1990

Thanks bboy, I will have to think about it.