Potting containers in cold weather

Given that spring has gone into hibernation and I have some new plants which need to be planted in containers, is it safe to do so in this weather? Not as cold here in Manchester as elsewhere in the country (above freezing)

The plants are in the pots they came in so their roots are presumably at more risk than if they were in a larger pot. I just worry that if I pot them on and water them well and then it freezes would their roots get damaged? Having said that I am having to water them anyway because it's been so long since we've had any rain and the bit of snow we have had has not been sufficient for their needs.

Waddya think?

 

What sort of plants are they Merle..?...if they're Hardy types then i think it would be OK but keep some fleece handy and if possible put them in a sheltered spot....anything more tender i'd pot them on and leave in GH

 

They are Rhododendrons, Azaleas and an Acer Orange Dream lolimac Pots are too large to go in the greenhouse but the pots' sides are double walled or foam filled so should offer more protection than a normal pot and I plan to mulch them with bark chippings on top.

 

I'd go for it then Merle....but still keep the fleece handy especially for the Acer

 

During cold weather plants in containers (above ground) are always much colder [at their roots] than plants in the ground - the cold quickly penetrates the container from all sides, whereas the ground it has to penetrate from above only and there is heat "below" from Mother Earth.

I keep new plants in my frost free conservatory / greenhouse and put them out on mild days; I know this is not the conventional advice of "get them planted", but I think they get off to a better start by not being subjected to cold, drying/chilling winds and so on.

If you can get the containers into a protected place then by all means plant them up. Into the garage overnight on chilly nights, and outside but in a sheltered spot - a wall by the house perhaps - would do - anything to make their start easier so they give you a more exuberant display during the rest of the year