I have had equivalent results when I removed the thorns as when I didn't remove the thorns. I don't think it matters. Some feel that removing the thorns acts the same as wounding the cutting . . . maybe.

I'm in a different zone than you, but I had good success with late fall cuttings rooted in my basement using milk jugs and soda bottles. (There's a photo of my set up in the 'Delaying Stratification' thread) If you want details on exactly how I root roses this way, check out the photo tutorial in the How To section on my web site.

Connie

Here is a link that might be useful: web site