The sago MIGHT, esp. in a sheltered area; the variegated ginger, in a part shady, sheltered spot should (I know it does under high pine trees in Spartanburg); the Birds, I very much doubt.

It depends on where you are in NC for the Sago. I'm not familiar with ginger but I have a Sago and a Bird of Paradise. Both are going to overwinter in my livingroom. I had some problems with my Sago this spring, first one I've ever had. I got things turned about nicely with it and don't want to take any chances. The birds are rated at a Zone 10 for hardiness I believe so definitely keep that in for the winter. Both will be living on my deck during the summer and if the Sago does well this winter I may put it in a bed in the ground next spring.

My neighbors and I have not had any luck with Sago palms living outside through through the winter.
I am in upstate SC zone 7b.

I know a couple people around here (raleigh area) who overwinter sagos, but they go through a lot to do it. I've heard they are much more winter hardy as they get bigger. They do make nice houseplants, so consider bringing it in instead. Most things are more apt to be winter hardy if they've spent a whole season or 2 outside getting their roots down deep. I wouldn't put anything marginal in the ground in fall and expect it to make it through.

Thanks, everyone! You have confirmed my suspicions about the sago and Bird of Paradise. I did buy one of the gingers, because its coloring was too pretty to pass up. :) I can keep it on my patio or drag it inside on a really cold night.

If you have a basement or garage you can overwinter the ginger there, too. They go mostly dormant, and reemerge in spring. Just water then occasionally. I'd guess the sago might do ok in a similar space, but it would need light whereas the ginger just defoliates without the light and goes dormant.