If there's air between the cage and 'Westerland', it'll go dormant. FYI - I tried protecting 'Westerland' the 1st 3 years I had it.... still died to the ground every year. Now I don't bother protecting it at all. Dies to the ground, but comes back as a 4' shrub by July.
Rob

Mine has grown a good 10 ft long main cane this first year! One long octopus cane lol. Wonder what next year will bring then lol. It actually grew a little longer by this time November.

{{gwi:342348}}

I've been nursing a Westerland for 7 years now. Like brother cadfael I do nothing and it dies back to the ground each winter. Mine does send out longer canes but they only bloom once. As long as it lives I'll keep trying.
I agree the burlap will not affect it going dormant as long as the space between the wire cage and the bush stays clear.