I've had hostas in pots for years now. In late fall I put them against the house and mulch them well, and that's it! They have always come back strong in the spring. The only thing I've found that damages hostas, for me anyway, is in the summer if I let them get too much sun or too little water.

Don't let them dry out but freezing does them alotta good. They require cold do do well in the South! Make sure the pot drains well.
They will come back next spring better than ever from the in-pot cold treatment! Many of mine are in pots!