Messy is a good term because it seems to always be dropping something. If it is located away from concrete surfaces so that it only drops in the grass, you will be much happier. I'm not sure weak is as good a discription as brittle. Any little wind can snap a branch. Also, the trunk may split into segments. I had to drill through the trunk use threaded bolts to hold the trunk together or it would have split into 3 parts.
I live in Tampa, zone 9B and have had no problem with cold damage. Just protect it some while it is small and that won't be long as it is a fast grower. Be patient for blooms. It takes several years for them to set flowers.
Jim
