John The secret to winter protect is buying the right roses for your zone and properly planting grafted roses so the bud union is 4-6 inches below the soil surface. Most of mine are on their own roots and those that aren't are planted deep enough so they developed their own roots. I'm also in zone 5a and only lost 2 of over 400 roses this past winter. Both were hybrid teas, Taboo and The McCartney Rose. all my others are hardy shrub types including many hybrid rugosas and Canadian roses. All I do is let Nature blow leaves at the base of the roses. I help a little when I mow in the fall. I aim the discharge chute at the rose beds so fallen leaves are blown at the bases of the roses. Rose cones will work but it would be better to have shredded leaves inside them and cut the tops off. Too bad you don't live close to me as I have about 40 of them free for the taking. Planting hardier varieties would mean no winter protection needed.

Here's the website for North Creek Farm. Suzy Verrier is an expert on old roses that will grow in Maine, but as I recall also has some of the newer roses as well. I know that North Creek isn't close to you, but she does mail order. If you visit the website, the plants are listed under "Gardening Shed" which seemed an odd place to put them. Her roses are all unfussy types. Here is a link that might be useful: North Creek Farm

Yes, Cream Veranda and Apricot Vigorosa both are very healthy and bloom all season. I may never know if my Apricot Vigorosa is the correct cultivar. Got it many years ago thru Northland Roses. It has floribunda growth with flower shape of Cream Veranda and in bloom all season. Glorious! I love red so I have Kardinal Kolorscape, Milano and Black Forest.but they don't have those english style blooms. They are in constant bloom with dark true red blooms. KK's are my favorite because japanese beetles don't bother them (no scent). Then there is Plum Perfect and Desmond Tutu they have fuller flowers and have been very good so far. Got Solero and Ping Lims Yellow Brick Road in spring but are too new comment on. Very nice full english style blooms. Love Innocencia but only a semi double. I had all the fairy tales at one time and all where healthy and large but don't bloom as much as the floribundas. I slowly switched over thru the years. With a short season it worked for me. Kordes roses coming this year are, Flamingo Kolorscape Jolie Veranda Polar Escape Flamenco Rosita Rose of Hope and Figi All of my roses are own root and no spray. Most will spot in first year but very clean there after or I don't keep them. This post was edited by pattyw5 on Wed, Dec 31, 14 at 16:31

Wow everyone thank you so much for the suggestions. If worse comes to worse in regards to overwintering in pots, I am willing to rent out those garage spaces that apartments have! We could fit one of the tiny cars in it, too. It’ll only be for the winter months anyways! I do have pot bottoms that roll (though I’ve broken so many wooden ones so I will get new iron ones when I move up). Moving them shouldn’t be too hard. From what everyone is saying, it looks like there is a fair shot of my potted Austins being able to survive! Thank you guys so much for your input! :) Before investing in more I want to work with my current children! LOL I absolutely love this rose forum and how fast and helpful everyone is!! If I could post a bajillion heart emojis, I would! Heart heart heart!!!!!