I have two rose bushes I replanted and one seemed to have taken well but the other is questionable as to it making it before winter. I put a milk container over one and a vinegar container over the other. I punched holes in order to place metal spikes to keep it in place through wind and bad weather.
My neighbor came over last month to comment on my blooming Azalea and as she left she said, "Better move it before winter." Well I didn't. I might regret ignoring her last words.
I did go out with 6 tall metal spikes and put them around the plant. I then took bubble wrap and wrapped it all the way around the plant. (going inbetween the spokes of the spikes)I then took leaves and put them at the base of the Azalea up to its first branches. I guess this Spring I'll see if I did the correct thing.
Thanks for your post. Sounds like the winter prep is pretty good. I sometimes use double row covers with straw added as the weather gets colder. I grew a whole bunch of lettuce and greens that way one winter.
I also have painted milk jugs or soda bottles black, filled with water, and placed them around the edges of the planting bed. If a bed is placed close to rocks or blocks that are situated where the sun can hit them, that works too. The heat built up during the day helps keep the temp warmer at night.