Alan, the reason for cleaning the rose bed is to get rid of the fungus spores in areas ( like mine) where they are a problem. You probably don't have so many issues with mildew and rust in Phoenix.

I'm curious, what type of rose are you prunning in that photo? Hybrid Tea? Inquiring minds want to know.

Alan,
I've wondered about cleaning away the dead leaves. I, too, thought it may help insulate the bed in summer. I have left the leaves at times and cleared them away at times... I'm inclined to leave them. It must provide "shade" in the summer or some sort of insulation. I pruned one of my 4 bushes 2 weeks ago. Others will follow in a few weeks. The pruning I did on this pink hybrid Tea was the most severe I've done in my 4 years as it's caregiver.

Hmmmmm. I have some more trimming to do!!!