Jim if you can add some kind of support and cover it with heavy plastic and maybe put some christmas lights or something for a little extra warmth they should be ok. Good luck!

You don't have to cut the brugs *way* back, you could leave them if they have buds on them. Later when/if its gonna stay freezing you can cut back and leave a few Y's or so ~ they will flower sooner in the spring that way.
Cover them good and as Kristy said, xmas lights will help too. Use a sheet or something between the brugs and the plastic if you are going to use plastic though. Plastic is okay if you put up a support or something to keep the plastic off the actual plant/foilage etc.
You can do the same for the vines and datura if you mean to keep the dats growing. If you are gonna need those seeds and want to keep the dats next year then cover them. I have one datura going on its 4th year now.

I have to agree with what was stated and lights with being covered is a great way. Have you got some PVC for like making a tent? Or even an old canvas tent should work with a small heater? Use straw at the base to keep them warm. I would not cut them back but if they get bite by the frost then cut. Your buds may drop so be aware of this. The vine would be my major concern as they don't do the cold at all. Dats if the pods are formed, just cover and try to keep from freezing. Depends on how long the pods have been on, you might even want to harvest and put in a warm dry area. Best of luck down there!!

Yes, I needed to make that more clear. Don't let the plastic lie on the plant. If you have to let something touch it use a blanket or freeze cloth that is breathable. I need to keep an eye out for a couple of small tents that I can put up like that for plants. Thats a great idea. My neighbor uses PVC and doesn't glue the fittings then he can take them down and store them when not in use.

I believe I am covered; cut back vines and some brugs so I make sure I have starts rooting. I built 2 cold frames 4X8 and the rooted cuttings will sleep in there. I had to leaves some brugs with buds. On the dats some of the pods are ready to pop open. I had one open last night. Should I bring them in on just wait and see? It is only going to maybe 31 and I am on a hill close to the water so I probably will not freeze. Our last freeze was when it snowed 3 years ago. It snows here maybe every 50-100 years.

I hope chalice vines root like brugs.

Oh Jim I hope it misses ya.. I potted up some 3 ft'ers the other day and forgot and left them out side.. It got down to 24*.. the foliage was frozen..LOL and some of the stem is damaged but they should recover...Good Luck!!!
Kylie

Jim, don't worry, I did not loose anything even when it snowed. I did need to cut back some of the tips on the peach one, but the dark yellow one did not even loose its leaves. I use no protection, other than being planted next to the house. I don't think your older plants have anything to worry about. The new plants, I would put under 5 gallon buckets. Barbra,

jeep461, bring in the Dat pods, you should be okay if they are well formed. I can remember when it snowed in TX my first year there!! I got blamed for bring it with me some 24 years ago, so you are due again?!

Jim:

Don't wait, Ok? I had wonderful beany balls that I was waiting for and one mush yuck beany ball Karyn told me to dry out.

I only have the one Karyn told meto grab and dry out.

all the other ones the construction guys knocked off before I could get nylons tied on the plants to grab them.

If it's one you really want. . .take them, ok? Don't do what I did and make a mistake.

I'm regretting not having seeds to share. I had to rely on the generosity of others for next year.

Ok, it takes forever when it is cold for them to open. Even my brugs have been holding buds for weeks. Just had to cut some of the good ones for safe keeping. Never heard them called beany balls. LOL I think they are neat looking.

Barbara, thanks for the knowledge. I just did not want to loose a big plant. Karma,SJN, F4F, Chena and Techno thanks. I have fear of the unknown.

So how did you fare, Jim?

Oh fer cryin-in-my-christmas-beer, they keep revising the forcast!

Now it's only going to be a high of 10 today, windchill is going to be -13!

It was 3 degrees this morning driving to work.

Comonnnnnnnnnnn spring!

So depressing this time of year.

14* this morning colder tomorrow then a balmy 73* come Sat..Just plain CRAZY!!.
Jim how are they holding up???
Kylie

I think I will go into hibernation if it hits the teens. I just can't deal with cold weather. Being outside for the fireworks New Years Eve night had me in the bed for most of the day yesterday. I feel you you that live in the colder areas. How are your babies Jim?