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This region of NJ is one of contrast. Along coastal regions they are a zone 7b and we see zone 8 plants growing in isolated locales like Cape May. In the Pineland bog areas one can find cold pockets where frost in June and August is not unusual. Our Bridgeton facilities are 25 miles inland and west of the Delaware Bay, 45 miles east of the Atlantic and 60 miles north of Cape May. Alight older maps show us as zone 7a, we are really a 6b. While most winters go to zero F, we can experience -12 degrees.
If planting from container-grown stock (which CharityPlants are), anytime is good. Decades ago, most plants were grown in the ground (what we call field-grown). There was no way to avoid cutting off some roots during the digging process. So, the only appropriate time to plant was in the spring, allowing a full season to overcome the shock of root elimination. All that changed with the evolution of container growing. Container grown plants can be installed without any disturbance or loss of root system.
Tough question. I do know the way most people water is not enough at a time and too often. Shallow, frequent bursts of watering encourage stress-susceptible surface roots and discourage deep rooting. Deep rooting is what's needed to weather the inevitable extremes. When you need to water, water deeply, then allow the roots a several-day opportunity to reach for it. Here's what I'm inclined to do: