Last summer I planted a raspberry and a blackberry bush in pots. This year they are producing new primocanes, but the floricanes look dead! Are they dead or do they just not flower until later in the season. I'm in zone 5a/5b, the lowest temperature this past winter was around 10F.
http://katejardiniere.blogspot.com/2011/05/berry-licious.html
Have you tried scratching one of the canes to see if it's green? Older canes can be brownish in color but those don't look too good. A scratch would tell you right away if there's any life left in them. If you have lost last year's growth you may want to consider planting them in the ground to help them winter-over better. If you continue to have cold hardiness issues you may want to try 'Prime Jim' which flowers even on primacanes.
Agreed, they look pretty sad, but you never know. I have both Prime Jim and Prime Jan and primocane production is limited if it is too hot. Berries I did have dried up in the heat & wind--hoping for a late crop.
This weather is insane--I'm in zone 8b and it was as cold here this past winter as it was where you are!
