We live in northeast GA and bought a house last Nov (06) with gardens containing two Knock Out rose bushes. They were beautiful all summer. As a child, my father grew roses and I saw him trim the dead follage as the flower itself died so this is what I did as well. As Fall approached, I wondered what I should do with the bushes to prepare them for the winter. When I went to the knock out rose website, I saw where they do not recommend trimming the dead follage, indicating that "they take care of themselves". Now I am wondering if I have damaged the shape and growth by trimming all summer. The website indicates that the knock out rose provides beautiful fall follage, our plants currently still have roses and beautiful follage, however, there are some yellow leaves (which may be from the terrible drought) .
Bottom line (I guess?) should I cut these plants back? If so, when? and How? I read where another lady trimmed hers back to the main canes and 2 ft tall. These plants are so beautiful, I want to take good care of them but I am new at flower gardening. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.