grew this in zone 8 on a south facing wall next to a roof downspout; it sulked for the first year then grew 20' in a season. It was very tough in this location and bloomed nonstop, also tolerated lots of heat. You might try growing it up into larger pots then planting in the spring. it is well worth growing in zone 9A.

I bought this rose own-root and planted it in the fall, and it had a couple blooms which had the most divine scent and were beautiful. But we had a hard freeze and it died. So, my advice would be for younger specimens to cover it and protect it if a hard freeze is anticipated. I live in zone 9a and didn't think this rose would be that tender.