Roses leaf out from the top of the plant. So, if you take cuttings, the top of the rest of plant will start leafing out.

I've had much better luck getting roses to make it through winter since I've started covering them with burlap.

My zone 6 (Ks) alternates between warmer weather and freezing weather which usually warms up again in a few days (last winter was the exception--stayed COLD for a long time). So my roses have been enduring multiple freeze-thaw cycles for a number of years.

Yes, if I check, I can often find the tips trying to form new red tiny little buds--I guess they just get frozen off with the next revolution of the freeze-thaw cycle. My solution: since I can't change the weather, I don't go out and check for new growth until spring approaches--or otherwise I'd have a nervous breakdown!

Come spring, I will probably have to trim my hybrid teas way back--hopefully only to about 12 inches or so, but sometimes nearly to the ground before I discover good white healthy pith in the centers of the canes. I don't worry too much about that, however, since hybrid teas usually seem to like rather severe prunings. They pop up good after that (usually).

I worry a bit more about my shrubs, old and new, that don't like severe spring prunings. Fortunately, a lot of them are hardy to Zone 5, so they are safe in my region (usually), but some of them may be fated for permanent shrimp-sized status due to the cold weather setting them back every year.

Speaking of weather, it just started snowing here. First real snow this winter. Kind of a "I'm dreaming of a white Xmas" kind of snow. Other than that, the temps aren't bad at all, though chilly of course.

Kate

I think Zack's point is a good one. Let them make growth from stems high on the plant that you will probably prune off in spring anyway. This conserves plant energy and avoids encouraging canker lower on the plant--canker that might enter winter pruning wounds or sites where new growth is frozen. I make it a point not even to look at my roses until pruning time draws near. It just gets you worrying about things you can't do anything about.

Today I did my walk through of the roses, and some are leafing out. At least most of the canes are green compared to last year's BLACK and I only lost 2. Putting it all in perspective, I immediately calmed down. Disregarding last winter, we're usually over the hump by the 3rd week in Feb. Then there was the freeze in the spring of 2007, five days of too cold too long! Thank goodness roses are resilient.

You might try Jack Falker's method of using leaves to protect them. Keep in mind it's cold winds that cause the most damage. So surrounding them with a wind barrier is the best thing you can do.

Also if you lose some of the tops that's okay. You'll just prune that off in early spring. focus on the bottom 12" or so.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jack's blog post

I haven't seen any actual leaves yet but there is definitely some plump red leaf buds out there. Nothing you can really do about it. Just leave them alone and hope for the best. This freeze and thaw stuff is the real culprit that kills most roses. And the freeze is already on its way for this coming week. If the roses went into winter healthy and you gave the crowns some protection even if you lose some of the canes they should still be fine and come back next spring.