Ground cover roses are usually low growing shrub roses with a spreading habit, or rambling roses that are allowed to spread horizonatally over the soil rather than growing them vertically.
Both types should be deadheaded after flowering, and usually only need sufficient pruning to keep the plant within its allotted space.
Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring as the new growth begins to appear.
Note; timing this in mild winters can sometimes be rather difficult if buds break early.
If this occurs, prune as soon as possible, leave some dormant buds in reserve for any that might get damaged by frost.
Pruning shrub types;
Remove dead, diseased, damaged, weak spindly shoots.
Then if required, hard prune wayward growths to within their allotted space.
Reduce main shoots by about one third, and sideshoots back to two or three buds.
If renovation is deemed necessary; Prune the main branches down to approximately 100mm (4") or two or three buds from the main stem / base.
Spreading rambler types;
Shorten the sideshoots after flowering to keep within their alloted space.
If they have become too large and congested prune the main branches down to approximately 100mm (4") or two or three buds from the main stem / base.