I say survival of the fittest when it comes to plants and freezing temps. I'm just lovin' these new pansies, and there's some other daisy like annual from Canada, that will bloom to around 15-20 degrees. I'm real tough on my perennials too. I only allow the ones that can live on their own in the usual growing conditions of our area -- no pampering here.
Jamie, I feel just like you do..only the toughest pansies are gonna make it anywhere for me!!..just put 'em in the barrel or on the ground, water, and I hope for the best
..they're pretty hardy here from March till about the frost time..but they survive pretty well too..not too many slugs or snails or earwigs get to these..not sure where you draw the line on annual/perinneals/and bi-annuals..anyone care to differentiate?..these pansies have a mind of their own!..azaleas are another plant that can grow well at different times of the year..when you think they're gone, they surprise you and pop back up again!..