Spring is best time to plant them no doubt...
But otherwise I like to have them into the ground at least 10-12 weeks before frosts hit so hopefully the root system etc. matures enough to make it through our winters...
That's my cut-off point...

By planting them so late (October) your odds of losing them really rises but that doesn't mean they won't make it like you already found out...

Because they are making money off the sale.

Kate

I understand that Kate but I would think they would have to replace less roses if they shipped in August than if they shipped for planting in October. These orders were placed early so why would they delay the shipping until so late in the year?

I would order own root potted plants in early spring for delivery in May or June. I think August is late for ordering own roots, unless they can get them to me within a week.

Kate is right, they don't care about your zone, and will probably fight with you if you try to get a refund next year. They delay the shipping to when they have the plants available.

J & P got rid of all of their people who had ANY knowledge of roses when they sold the company in bankruptcy to a bunch of market arbitragers a couple of years ago.

You are dealing with people who are truly ignorant about ANYTHING roses.

Karolina11 , I would seriouly wait until Spring...

Good point, I didn't factor in the stock issue and that would make sense. I was wondering why their experts would supposedly want to ship that late as it made no sense to me. Thank you!

At this point, the owners of the J&P name are in fast & furious mode, bent on cashing-in to the max on the last, tattered vestiges of what once was a premium brand.

It's past time for all of us to recognize (and to inform others) that Jackson & Perkins is no longer a reputable source for roses.

Karolina11: ". . . (W)hy would their experts advise differently"?, you asked. There are no experts of the kind you have in mind left at J&P.