Hi
IME about the only thing that will do them in is to completely dry out. Some species can even tolerate that lol
About the only great difference that's obvious is the size and number of flowers. when potted .
They should be okay for at least a couple of months maybe more?? gary

At least for the short term I can confirm garyfla because I have essentially done the same with some extra lillies and they are growing fine.

I just saw your post. Take a look at what I found, it is similar to your situation
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/ponds/msg0420380711805.html?2

Thank you all for the reassurance! I so appreciate the responses and the link! Now if only someone could tell me that my poor hibiscus and lantana that got burned by the frost last night will return, I'll be a happy fledgling gardener!

I think you will be a happy camper. I'm in NORTH Carolina and we get late frosts. I don't think there is any issue for lantana because they grow through the winter some. If the new hibiscus shoots die, they should just send up more.

Thank you for the encouraging message, chas045! I hope they didn't completely get killed, maybe just snipped back a bit. It was this way-early warm spring we had and then WHAM! But as a pretty new gardener (with new plants I have little experience with) I am like a fussy first time mother. Any little sneeze and I fear a major illness!!!!