I've never had elephant ear survive through a winter in DC. They are frost tender. I've always had to bring my brugs in from the deck too, although I've got one monster that I've decided to leave out this winter and just take cuttings to root.

To the best of my knowledge, elephant ear has to be dug up and taken in over the winter. Brugs need to be taken into the house or garage. If the others need similar conditions, then I would recommend bringing them in.

Jen

I have a neighbor with an established monkey puzzle tree in a sheltered spot next to her house (inside the DC beltway). It is nearly 10 feet-- impressive and unusual!

I've always brought potted brugs and elephant ears inside, although I know someone who's overwintered brugs in the ground successfully with heavy mulching.

NZ flax (Phormium) in pots are usually hardy outside for me (inside the beltway), although I move them to a protected spot on the east side of the house before the worst of winter. Last winter they didn't make it.

Steven

It depends upon which variety of elephant ear you have Some are hardy to zone 7
I bring most of mine in but the ones up against the house, i just cover with black bags of leaves. Also do this for cannas.
Mary

I dig up and store all my EE's. Brugs are cut back and stored dormant in the garage and the sago comes inside or in the greenhouse. I'm in Mont Co. and have tried keeping brugs outside in several different areas with a heavy mulching and none have ever survived the winter.

I want to be able to talk to others in Montgomery county that do Wintersowing. It will be my first attempt and I will feel more confident if I can see your project first hand.