I wouldnt plant out till last chance of frost, around mothers day. You can keep them in the house and watered until then. Just a FYI, in my opinion, big box stores do not have the best quality stock, I would venture out to the nurseries, you will have much better luck.

I agree with gj. The problem beyond the stock quality is these box store plants are already leafing out and are probably being brought inside at night. The new growth is tender and susceptible to freezing. If you decide to try one, I'd pot it up now and be prepared to bring it inside for the snow storms and cold we're getting a break from right now. It's very tempting this time of year to start things. I've caught that bug and tried a couple, too. None of those roses made it past the first year. High Country Roses moved to Denver from Utah a couple of years ago. They've been my go-to nursery for roses for many years. If you call the greenhouse in advance, you can go there and pick out your roses. Their staff can make suggestions based on color, size, cold hardiness, etc. These will be small plants and you'll pay $15 - $20 for one plant. But they'll be around for years to come. http://www.highcountryroses.com/our-greenhouse/

There's also Harlequin nursery in Boulder.

http://www.harlequinsgardens.com/

You can try your local nursery, too. It might be too early for them to have much in stock yet.

We're not trying to rain on your parade, I promise! I'd like to save you the aggravation and wasted money I've experienced on big box impulse buys.

Barb

What ^they^ said. There is also an alternative for inexpensive roses with some of the nationwide nurseries located in more southern latitudes, Wayside Gardens comes to mind, where in early June they clear out their warehouses and everything goes dirt cheap because its getting too hot down there. That can be hit/miss. But in a good year, we've scored a dozen rose plants @ $4 a piece. Just sign up for their email list.

ok -- It's just sooo tempting. And I'm sooo ready to plant something....

And, yes, I do have a couple good nurseries close by. I didn't realize the High Country was now here - that's going to be a fun field trip. Thanks, everyone for keeping me from grief!