If you're in USDA 5 keeping it alive long enough to worry about how big it is may be the primary issue.

Yes, I'm in USDA 5, so I hope it makes it through the winter. It was purchased at a local nursery and the cold hardiness indicates my zone on the tag. I read online you can provide them extra winter mulch protection, so I'll try that this year. Also, it will be planted close to my tea roses that all make it through the winter and the area as some wind protection as well. Hopefully that helps increase my odds.

I find the best way to ensure JMs coming through winter in our area is to shade them from the winter sun (planted on the north side of shade providers). This helps delay bud break which reduces the risk of late frosts killing the buds.

tj