Are you talking about Heliconia rostrata (probably the plant most commonly referred to as a lobster plant)? Heliconia rostrata is usually listed as a zone 10 plant, but in the right conditions can be grown in parts of zone 9 without additional protection. Did you provide any extra protection for yours?

I don't think cuttings would work, but the plant can be easily divided by rhizome division similar to dividing cannas or bananas.

My plant came from zone 7a northwest Alabama. My friends have several growing in their yard. It has several reddish claws with black markings that open to a red bloom, leaves the size of half dollar. The plant has thorns and grows to 3 ft. tall.

Heliconia don't have thorns. Not sure what plant you have. Any chance you could post a picture?

I will wait until it is blooming and take a picture. The blooms are beginning to form now, they are more up-right than hanging down. Thanks Brandon for your help, I just know in Alabama they call it a lobster plant.