as they are bare rooted i'd be tempted to pot them up and keep them outside in a protected site. ie coldframe. How have you been keeping them so far?

I've kept them in my garage the roots are not bare, but bubble wrapped to save on postage weight i suppose. there is some soil and the plants look healthy but young. Unfortunately I don't have a coldframe:-( The garage is quite light.

sheltered in the lea of the house would be fine. if kept in the garage they may be ok and just start into growth slightly earlier. dont forget to keep checking their moisture level. dont leave them in the bubble wrap though.l

I've got quite a lot of these, Bornagain and last Friday i had 3 delivered as a xmas present from my sister.
I agree with planting them out now, they're hardy and will be fine.

In this region they sail through winters but i don't know about your region, as Seaburngirl says, site them somewhere sheltered and they'll go through easily.

Thanks for your answers. I can't plant out as at start of makeover eeek bad time to start! I have some multi-purpose compost, will that be ok? so I'll pot up and put them by the house in sheltered corner then. I suppose the only problem will be getting soil too wet?? I've had apollo and some princesses before. they thrived for a few years then died:-( think roots got too wet but not sure??? I'd love apollo again it was glorious. I'm in the midlands Louise:-)

I'd make sure their roots stay moist but well drained, Bornagain, they'll hate wet feet.
I have them in various sites and they seem fine in this areas temperatures.
I think wet feet's your main criteria.

Thanks both:-) what are your new ones Louise?

Have a peek at the last blog i wrote, Bornagain because it tells you a little about them :-))

nice blog it was too louise1

Thank you Seaburn :-))
My sister's a great gift-buyer .... which is amazing because she, herself doesn't have a single greenfinger
;-)))

I've seen your blog and more, thanks Louise:-)