Ah, there are heaps of other Z5 posting and I am sure one will be along in a moment. Out of curiosity though, why would you keep the rose in its pot and not straight into the soil? There is a lot of residual heat still left in the soil to get roots established before the deep freeze and planting now is usually a perfect time. I can see that keeping it in a pot would be a good idea to make moving easier if you wish to relocate it? Or, do you have to take roses indoors over winter?
Speaking for myself, I usually heave a sigh of relief when a plant is safely ensconced in soil instead of being subject to my erratic care regime in pots.
I think JtO is one of the hardier Austins.....and it's always extra nice to get a bargain.

Under those circumstances, I've always planted things. It's not exactly late November, and the plants aren't exactly bands.

I have to agree that planting them would probably be best. It isn't all that late for a fully grown out plant to go into the ground and be able to make it through winter.

If you decide to plant them just be as careful as possible to disturb the root ball as little as possible. Plant them a little deeper than they are in the pots and for this winter at least, provide them with some protection. Mulch them and maybe stake and tie them so they won't rock in that famous Chicago wind. You might even wrap them with burlap or use an anti-desiccant like Wilt Pruf on them. You really want to protect them from drying out as much as possible. Dehydration is the kiss of death.

If you decide to keep them in the pots sinking them should also work but still do some mulching on the soil tops and wind protection for the canes.

Hello!
Well, I'm brand new with roses, not counting the ones that came with the plot.
Two different nursery men pointed out that there's this custom in Chicago land of not planting anything after 4th of July in order to assure the plant roots properly before any real frost.
At the time it was beginning of August , it sounded weird to me but I'm not to disagree.
These two roses are intended for my balcony so I thought it be just as well if I didn't sink them based on the mentioned advice.
I'm hesitant to winter store in a unheated space, I don't have a garage and I would not be able to access them as I wanted to.
I may just dig them down if you guys say so, I won't be able to do so for another 2 weekends however, am I cutting it too close?
How does that affect the plant when I dig them up next spring for my balcony?
Thank you