Are the shoots dead at the top? If so I'd cut that off. Some roses begin to leaf out later than others. But get rid of anything that is dead.

The blue/black canes are dead and will need to be cut back. Check out this awesome thread Nippstress posted, lots of good pics and descriptions.

Nippstress' Pruning Guide

Thanks for the advice and thread link! Super helpful information.

Yeah it's a great thread! Very helpful

Hi Dingo - thanks for reviving this thread and using it to help My Name. I agree to cut off those canes but be sure to leave the graft (the knobby bit where all the canes start from) so that you keep the rose you want rather than the rootstock. Be bold - if it's going to survive for you, it'll regrow from the base. Don't fret if Oklahoma sulks for you however - I find that one is only marginally hardy for me in zone 5 so it might be a little iffy even in zone 6. Fortunately it sounds like your other roses are doing well.

Cynthia

Thanks for the help and encouragement!

I went through and pruned back according to your advice and photo recommendations and in the process discovered a few leaf buds in a couple very hard to see places. So there was still life lurking in the shadows!

It was a little disheartening to prune back so severely what was previously one of my largest and most impressive hybrid teas. However I will take a mostly dead versus totally dead.

I am actually quite pleased to say that I have not lost a single rose yet from winter kill due to the recommendations I have gained from the folks here. In fact I have only lost a couple bands ever and lots and lots of starts lol. Knock on wood, since I probably just jinxed myself hah.

It is great to have so much practical experience to draw information available here. Thanks again!