Sometimes I'll leave the tan (not brown) center if the plant is young and there would otherwise be very little surviving wood. So I agree with you, but I suggest marking the cane with a ribbon to see whether it supports vigorous growth. If mostly blind growth follows, prune some more, and maybe make a note not to leave tan centers on that variety.

If it is a big vigorous plant with plenty of energy stored below ground, I'd be more inclined to insist on leaving white pith only.

Note we are talking about relatively young, green canes. Old barky canes commonly develop tan centers with age, and these are usually OK.

Thank you very much. I was never quite sure. Good idea to mark the canes That way I'll better know what do with different plants. I used to always have more surviving cane. These last two winters have been something else and I did not grow roses back in the 70's. Last time I can recall having several sever winters in a row.

Like Michael, on my first prune of the season I tend to err on the side of caution and leave some of those inner tan canes. I always have to go back through later on in the season and do a tune up pruning anyway. So if I see that that growth isn't doing anything at that time I'll take it off when I do my second prune.

Thanks for the additional information Seil. I appreciate all I can get.