Assessing Winter Survival of 'Yellow Blaze' Climbing Rose in Ohio Zone 6

Toledo, Ohio gardener: 'Yellow Blaze' climber on east fence, early May, many dead-looking sticks that break easily. Tag says 'clyellowblaze'. Asked if it's dead, if it should be in Ohio, if it blooms yearly.

Scratch Test

Scrape cane base—green coating = alive. Cut back to green pith (green apple color). Even cutting to a few inches is fine; it will regrow. Yellow Blaze is hardy to zone 6 (Toledo's zone).