"Harken Ronstan" wrote in message
om...
Any experiences? I think San Jose is in zone 9.

San Jose is zone 9. According to Betrocks, Bismarckia nobilis is hardy from
zones 10a - 11. I would be tempted to give it a try if you can buy one at a
good price. Bismarcks don't like a lot of water, they want full sun and
positive drainage. Plant it high in good soil. Only buy it if you can buy
one in a container. Field grown Bismarcks are notorious for poor survival
out of the ground.