I talked to him, too. And I got exactly the same impression. For me it is physically possible to put roses into the ground in February, I just fear for their health, knowing that a good cooler will probably be better for them than yo-yo weather and dryness. That said, if I ever order from GVR again, I'll take delivery in late February.
My assumption is that they do not cover the canes in order to prevent fungal infection but it does tend to dry out the canes.
I got four Sunsprite on fortuniana rootstock from GVR and they are setting foliage like there's no tomorrow. Brass Band is sprouting. Showbiz looks like it is half dead. The rest seem to be developing slowly but normally - not yet setting leaves but getting ready to do so.
My bet, Toni, is that the care you have lavished on your roses will result in their doing well.
