Black & blue should be USDA Zone 6 hardy, but it would really help if we knew your location, since subtropical versus arid environments are very important factors for horticultural success. Do you know your microclimates? These are determined by factors like slopes, air flows, what side of the house your garden is located, especially if it is near the house, etc.

well, I live really close to Allentown, PA in the Southeastern part of the state. My whole yard is on a slight angle. The garden its self is on the side of a shed with arborvite bushes behind it. So the only winds hitting it are from the West, Sout, South west, and Northwest. The area recives sun from around 10 in the morning to around 6 or 7 in the evening. Hope this helps.

They might and there is only one way to find out. You are right about keeping the crowns dry in winter. They also shouldn't be cut down in fall. Sand would probably help especially if you use it to raise the bed a bit. Tarping the plants and covering them with full leaf bags would pretty much ensure their return. I live about 15 miles east of Philadelphia and Black & Blue has been a perennial for years.

Wardda, what's the advantage to the plant when it's not cut down in the fall? Is it a rotting issue that is helped?

You hear that it allows water to enter the cut stems in winter. I am not entirely convinced of that argument because it is true of other half-hardy plants whose stems aren't hollow. But just because I don't know why doesn't mean it isn't true.