In your zone it's probably more a matter of how patient you are. The bigger rose will give instant gratification. The smaller one will take time to mature. But I think either one will grow fine for you. If you go with the potted one, when you unpot it to plant make sure you tease out the roots some before putting it in. That will help it start to grow out into the soil instead of just continuing to circle.

Thank you for your help, seil, and I apologize for the delay. So, even after a rose has been in a five gallon pot for five years or so, there's little risk in planting it, as long as you tease out the roots?

This five gallon rose that's been in the pot for about five years will cost about the same as a new one gallon plus shipping, so I'm hoping to make the best choice regarding which is likely to be the better rose.

Thanks for any advice.

jannike

Now I'm sorry I'm so late to answer, lol! I was away for a bit.

Yes, the big potted one should do just fine planted in the ground. You don't want to whack off any roots if possible but do try to straighten them out and loosen them up when you plant it. It may wilt some at first from transplant shock but it should come back from that with no problem if you keep it well watered but not too soggy wet. I wouldn't recommend any fertilizer on it until you see new growth starting. That usually means the roots have started to recover and it can support new growth and take up nutrients.