Dick E. wrote:

This is a fine NG! I've been lurking for awhile - now I'm quickly
dipping in

Welcome, Dick!


:

We live in the Southern California inland area of San Diego County
where temperatures vary from 110 down to 20 degrees F.

Here in Raleigh we get temps of 10 degrees F through about 100, so I know
what you're talking about.


Are the miniatures more
susceptible to freezing than non-mins? Would being in pots make a
difference?

Minis would be more susceptible to freezing in the same way that an ice
cube tray will freeze faster than a gallon jug of water, see what I mean?
The smaller area of the pot, and the fact that it is not insulated by the
ground is what might cause a problem in a prolonged freeze. I would worry
about minis because I assume you have them in even smaller pots than I use
for my potted hybrid teas--less than a 15 inch pot? On the other hand--
location is important in that your potted roses will stay warmer if
snuggled near the house out of any wind where they can benefit from the 10
or so degrees warmer your heating will keep them. Your wife is smart to
cover them, and if you're getting, say, 20 degrees for three days in a
row, I might put them closer to the house.