I think that would work fine. I don't know what the hardiness would be in zone 5 as an in ground plant.

He is new in my garden this year and I'm going to heavily winter protect and see what happens. He has grown quickly and I'm hoping if he dies back to the ground, he will rebound. Others have told me I should pot my FD and move him to the garage for the winter.

Thanks for the responses. I am willing to do a lot of coddling for this rose once I get him established in Colorado. I am more worried about how to help him survive the transition.

The easiest thing might be laying it over and covering it up. Definitely a different climate for you, the lowest zone for plants and activities that are normal in Zone 8 is Zone 6. Probably be markedly drier, too - certainly more snowy.

FD should be fine in zone 5 once you get it past the transition. Since he's already potted up is there any way you can transport him as is instead of trying to squeeze him into a smaller pot?

yes.