I agree with Seil, let them grow this year. Take our anything dead of course.

Just cut on 45 degree angle below the dead head?

That will work for dead heading. You don't need to cut down to a 5 leaf set. I just snap off the dead blooms just below the hip.

Just to be clear: Break off and not cut off? Thanks! Also I am giving them Rose tone and Montys 5-12-10. That ok, or something better? Thanks again!

A contrarian approach for some new roses (apropos of "need all the foliage they get...") : http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4391431/any-updates-on-madame-anisette   The relevant discussion begins Jan. 19.

You can break or cut off with pruners ! Today I was deadheading as I walked by my roses and noticed some were easier to use my fingers than others. Renea is easiest with my fingers, but you need pruners for blossomtime . :) just a note if you have a rose with canker you want to wipe the pruners with alcohol or Lysol before you move to the next. I never worried about that before but now i have canker and am kicking myself wondering if I spread it unknowing .