I'm so glad you asked, Carol. I've seen them in Hawaii, but never growing anywhere else. I keep thinking I should be able to grow them here, though.
Found a grower with a website, and it says they are in Fallbrook CA
http://www.resendizbrothers.co... It's inland, between I-5 and I-15 and about halfway between LA and San Diego.
Here's an article on Protea from Sunset Magazine. Apparently they thrive in a "Mediterranean" climate so California counts but not Florida.
http://westphoria.sunset.com/2...
