Prune roses back to about 12 inches.

Yes, cut them down to about a foot tall. People are scared to prune hard, but roses thrive on it. You want that fresh growth to come from low on the stem.

Do it after the last frost, when you start to see buds swelling. Use sharp, clean pruners. Cut at a 45-degree angle about a quarter inch above an outward-facing bud — that directs new growth outward, not into the middle of the bush. Remove all dead, damaged, or crossing canes. Keep 3–5 healthy canes, spaced like the spokes of a wheel. If it looks sparse, you did it right.

Your roses will reward you with bigger, better blooms.