Last week was the autumnal equinox so right not the sunrise is almost due EAST and sunset is almost due WEST. If you face the sunset, your right side will point North and your left side will point South. If you want to over-winter them outside, you will need to put them on the south side where the winter sun shines from low in the southern sky. I would not leave them in pots. In pots the roots are above ground and will freeze easier than if the plants are in the ground. As for hardiness, the EEs and cone flowers should overwinter in the ground without a problem. You may want to mulch them with leaves for added protection. Here is a link about the Mex. petunia that may help.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mex Petunia