You can call Debbie or Geoff at Cool Roses to find out for sure, but I haven't cut mine off because it just makes new growth. However, I had cane borer that got into a cane and I did have to cut that one. I also had a neighbor who must have used some roundup and I had to cut a nice big cane off because of that..... otherwise I try not to cut until it cools off and less CT around.