Are the cuttings over a year old then? Or is this their first winter on their own? Are they in- or outside? Are they just dropping their leaves preparing for winter?

I'm sorry. All I have are questions,

Steve.

Steve, This is their first year. I took the cuttings in July. They are inside, under lights so still have their leaves.
Thanks
Leo

My suggestion is in the 'might try' category. In my experience, once a cutting's leaves begin to go chloroic (sp?), the plant is down for the count. However, you might try some iron chelate, which can be bought at any nursery, diluted to perhaps quarter strength.
I hope others can offer a more definitive solution.
Steve.

I don't have a lot of experience with rugosas. Like you, if I put them outside in the regular soil, they aren't overly happy. However, a lot of my hardy once bloomers - the ones that truly need dormancy to do at all well - don't like spending the winter inside under lights. Those I've taken to putting in the garage, even though my record with small pots isn't the greatest there.

So they may have gotten a hint of what is going on outside, and are trying to go dormant.