I don't think it can take the cold.

depends on the species and i think your main concern would be summer heat. i have tried to grow over 20 different selections and they all collapsed and died as soon as the summer highs settled into the 90's. even the so-called "heat tolerant" ones perished.
if i were giving advise i would say you are correct in thinking of planting in an area with filtered sun. have also been told they will do better under a mist system but that was a bit much for me to install for a few plants that were never going to be happy in our hot zone.
did you know there is a forum devoted to these plants at gardenweb? you can post your inquiry there and probably get a quick response.
good luck. i can understand the attraction to the beautiful flowers and brilliant colors.
fwiw, they grow them outdoors in england and their winters are more severe than those in your area.