mcp - they won't survive outdoors much further north than zone 7 from what I've read. But I have sent several to friends in Pennsylvania. They just let them get knocked down by the first couple of frosts and then, when the plant is dormant, move it to somewhere where it won't get the worst of winter (the basement, the garage, etc). Then when new shoots appear in the spring, they take them out again. Since these grow each year from new shoots from the roots, you can cut each year's growth off when you store them.
Mine is about 9 or 10 feet tall, which makes picture taking a challenge. But I do love looking out the bedroom window each morning to see it's lovely red blooms. It's got more blooms open again today.