Too late to prune roses now?

[allgoneaway]

I'm new to gardening, planted three bare root roses last year and was waiting until early March to prune, just like the books say .... but there are new reddish leaves all over. Is it too late?

One is huge and bushy and still has last year's leaves (are they supposed to?). Not sure if I should prune and strip last years leaves or just leave it.

Thank you!

Did mine this morning, but we are in Scotland so get a late start.

Some have last year's leaves still, some don't.

I think March is the recommended time for shrub roses. I normally watch YouTube videos and they all cut off the fresh leaves just above the first outward pointing bud. Looks scary but it all grows back.

Not too late at all, still better to prune than not.

I strip last year’s leaves off. They will only fall off completely themselves if it’s a very cold winter. Don’t leave the leaves on the ground or put in your garden compost though because it increases the chance of rose diseases if they hang around.

Strip leaves, especially if any sign of black spot and cut back to just above a decent looking bud. No drama. Fine to do it now

Thanks everyone. I had to move one rose bush today so will give it a few days to settle then I'll get them all pruned.