Hi. I'm in zone 7, Western NC and new to most gardening. I have an elderberry plant and a st. john's wort plant that are each potted and outside. I can't bring them inside. I had planned to get them in the ground by now but wasn't able to and we're already having frost/freezing temps most nights now (snow yesterday already) but still 50/60's during the day for a few more weeks. Can I still put them in the ground now? Or should I just dig and put the pots in the ground, or leave them potted above ground and just shelter them through the winter? I also can't mulch much due to some neighborhood animals that like to dig and do their business in mulch. What's my best bet for the two plants? Thanks!