Washingtonia Robusta-anyone in zone 7 growing them?

AKA Mexican fan palm--Lowe's here has beautiful ones, already pretty tall for sale, I am wondering if I should give into the temptation. No room in the GH for it at all though, so is anyone successfully growing these outside of zone 8?


http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/51656/

I saw them at Home Depot and got one this summer-$ 15.00 for a one that was about 2' high (from the top of the pot to the top of the plant). I was glad to see it as I have wanted to put one in the ground for a while. I think they stand a good chance if they are planted in an area where they have really good drainage. Ideally, their crown likes to stay dry during the winter as well (desert palm) but I can't do much about that.
How much is the one at Lowes and how tall is it? I think mine was in a 3 gallon.

tigerlily, I think it was a 3 gallon pot (16.98), but these were ---I'm guessing here cause they were still up on the shelf all tall---I think 4 or 5 feet tall. The trunks were very substantial...I almost did it but wanted to check first...lol.

I have a dry, sunny bank that would be awesomely drained, but I'd surely have to stake it to keep it upright, which would be silly. I suddenly recalled we have a creek (really a ditch) that's full of sandy loam and I started making mounds to plant stuff that likes it well-drained...so I'll still be thinking about it.....they were so healthy looking.

For $ 17.00, if you like palms, you have nothing to lose! Thats my motto! But I would get it in the ground sooner than later so it can start to get established before the cold weather if you are going to do it. You could also keep it in the pot outside over the winter and just drag it inside or in the ghouse for a day or two if the temps fall below 20 degrees-or just throw a cover over it on those cold nights. I think its a great deal....

I have approx. 50 in 3 gallon pots. Stared as fun but they are growing so slowWWWWWW.

Lavina