overwintering perennials in pots

[greenqueen]

Last year I had a plant sale, and had several leftovers. I put them under a pine tree and covered them with lots of leaves. All but a handful came up this year.

Does anyone do this on purpose? With good success?
What plants have overwintered well?

I have several pots to fill yearly for my front porch in full shade and 10 3 ft window boxes that are really expensive to change out every season of every year. I'm looking for things that would handle zone 5 winters in pots.

Plants that made it are hosta (of course)
ginger
columbine
iris
penstimon
heuchera