Hi Aaron, let me be the first to officially welcome you to our community. There's a whole bunch of Musa lovers in here and we will be more than happy to assisst you in any way you might need.
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Originally Posted by browndrake
I live in Northern Arizona, on the border with UT. We are in the high desert at 4800 feet. The maps say we are zone 7 or 7-8. One of our greatest challenges with most fruits is not the level of winter cold but the late frosts we get after early warming spells.
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I absolutely understand what you are saying. Just as we some springs get to 70s (in Fahrenheit) or 20s (in Celsius), Russian cold continental front suddenly appears carrying our so beloved spring frosts. Especially peaches like them. They literally drop all the flowers for the season.
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Originally Posted by browndrake
The idea that I could have some dwarfs and winter them indoors got me searching and led me here. From the little that I have read so far, it seems that there may be some cultivars that might survive here, in the ground? (with or without protection?)
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If you are referring to edible banana plants, than such pieces as Musa 'Texas Star', Musa 'California Gold' and others are said to be very resistant to cold and occasional frosts. The problem really is, that the plant usually dies out and only its parts in the soil survive, when the harder frosts come. If properly protected that is.
Other than that, there's a variety of seeded species quite hardy, whose pseudstems can withstand even harsh winters when taken care for properly. Such as Musa basjoo, Musa sikkimensis and other.
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Originally Posted by browndrake
So, I am hear to learn...to glean what I can from others' wisdom and experience...and as I gain some to share with others.
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Godspeed on your exploration journey!