You would have more luck getting them started inside. You would not need a big pot just something big enough for them to fit in until they start growing. The warmer they are the faster they will start to grow. Our houses are usually warmer that 50-60 degrees. You want the soil to be damp, to get them started. In the summer most of my cannas if grown in full sun can be grown in bog condition which is soupy wet conditions. If you can get them growing good before May you can get flowers as early as July. This bloom time also depends on which canna you have. Some of mine bloom faster than others. Because our summers are so short I buy the cannas with colorful leaves and do not worry about the flowers. Some of the flowers really are not that spetacular or pretty anyway.

I think once you live that far south it isnt really about how cold you get, but how long you get below freezing. These plants will take a frost, but all the leaves will definately fall off, and you might get some tip damage which will delay flowering. You should protect it anytime temepratures are predicted below 34F. I dont think it will stand a chance below 25F, but if you only go below freezing 5 times a year, you can protect it (mulch it, cover it, and add some x-mas lights for heat) to keep it alive. It might be easier to drag it inside though. Good luck!

No I believe they are walnut and with a leg like that they look like renaissance revival from the 1890's. You say....How did I know that??? Well I sure don't....without a picture!!

Maybe a few comments. Tennesee has lots of climates, Memphis is a lot different from Nash ville as an example. Most pole beans grow well in East Tennesse, sothwestern can be quite hot and humid. The Appalchian region is great for beans and many of the heritage varieties originated in the area. Lima beans. Baby limas have adifferent flavor than the giant limas. Christmas/Calico is one of more prolific giant limas. King of the Garden is the standard for whites. Whether you prefer shellies or dried beans is a matter of taste. Shellies are harvested when the beans are full size and pods are leathery and easy to open. For Dry beans the pods are allowed to dry on the plants, harvested, dried some more, and then shelled. They usually grow in flushes with intervals between harvest. This harvest photo shows a mix of shellies and dry. Cowpeas come in all sizes colors and shape. Zippers have green shells that don't dramatically change colors like purple hull types. For shellies the pods will get lighter in color and be full of peas. Zippers are noted for easy shelling as shellies. If you let dry on the vine, they can then be used as dry peas. They are most desired as green shellies.