bluegrassmom, we here in zone8b strip the Brugmansia leaves and put them in their own home for the winter months. I find that taking cuttings when they are actively growing is the best time to create other plants. Our usually go into their house whole as some have seedpods. Lucky here our canna can stay in the ground. EE will also go into the greenhouse after a little trimming. You have to do what you can to save your plants and if a bale of straw is what is needed, go for it. If you have enough bale of straw why not make a house for them with plastic for a roof?
