Green Canes but No Leaves? Testing Rose Viability After Winter in Zone 5

A zone 5 gardener fall-pruned a rose bush. It has green stems but no leaves while nearby bushes are leafed out.

Green Bark ≠ Alive

Canes can stay green even if the plant died. Cut back cane tips—if pith is brown, that section is dead. Keep cutting lower until you find green apple-colored pith. If none, the rose is dead. If green, prune lower to stimulate growth.