I've never potted and protected mine over winter 😬 I've not lost one yet, though it's worth noting that I never attempt to zone-push.

Here, I have kept some in a pot for 6-12 months for my most reliable outcome. I have a protected alcove where they can stay over winter above freezing.

If a band looked fragile I would consider potting for sure.

I've kept them potted, but potted next size up, with a better mix, and kept them in afternoon shade for the summer. I'm hesitant to plant them out, although fall planting was in fact my original plan.

I once followed RVR directions to immediately plant out a tiny band, and it died within 2 weeks. We can have some pretty harsh winter weather here.

I have overwintered potted bands buried in my compost pile, can't decide if I should give them one more year then plant in spring or just go for it.

I usually plant a band in a 3 to 5 gallon container. I don’t put it in the ground until that rose fills the pot and roots come out in a ball.

If they've already been growing on all summer, personally I'd plant them. And my winters are at least on par with yours, if not colder. But that's me, I don't trust myself to keep them alive potted over winter.

I bury the pots in my compost pile and check for moisture when it's been very dry. They're protected from wind, sun, and it's slightly warmer and well draining.

Most bands I plant out directly have lived but they grow very slowly. If I give them 6-12 months of potted life before plunging them into the clay they do much better

I don't have the zone pressure many of you do, but I always gradually up-pot my bands and 1 gallons. Pretty much like Ben, but probably more gradually. Unless it's a rose I'm really familiar with, I want to see it grow for awhile before I put it in its permanent home :-D