I put Rockin Robin in last fall, gave it essentially no winter protection aside from planting it where the snow is piled when the driveway is plowed, so it spent the winter in a snow bank. It came out of the snow with growth buds, is growing vigorously and blooming like mad. In vigor of growth, it is similar to the Ballerina which I put in at the same time, and which also is growing and blooming with admirable enthusiasm. I am in 5a, in Old Town, Maine.