Melanie,
You can make almost any JM work in a container if you have somewhere to store it that would keep it less than 38F for at least 6-8 weeks so it gets its dormant period yet doesn't get too cold. 33-38 degrees with no wind is probably optimal for low winter temps. Sunlight isn't required in the winter. A unheated or barely heated garage or shed perhaps?

Maybe someone in your zone that has experience with this particular cultivar can respond about plantingn it in the ground.

Matt

I grow a lot of maples in containers. I've left mine outside in temps down to the upper teens. Supposedly their roots can be damaged at temperatures 15F and lower. I bring all of my pots in the garage when forecasters are calling for lows in the teens, and then usually leave them in the garage until early February and the coldest weather seems past.

I would talk to your local nurseries or arboretums about which varieties seem hardiest in your area if you aren't sure.

Your other option would be to purchase a young plant cheap from world plants, grow it on in a 3 gallon for 2 years and then plant it out in a location protected from winter wind and sun. Someplace against the house would be the best. At least in this situation if you kill it you won't have much money invested in it. To be honest with you I think many plant will take more cold temp if their protected from sun and wind in the winter.

David