Is the left side of pic 1 & front of pix 2 where you did the cutting? I think that if you don't see new stems & leaves coming out of these vines by early August I would cut them completely (or within an inch or so) of the ground. But in your zone I wouldn't cut anything after the middle of August, because you don't want to encourage new growth, which cutting does, so close to a possible frost. If you don't get to it, pruning above the 3rd leaf bud in May will have the same effect, when you want it to grow bushier. I think your pink might be Comtesse de Bouchaud, a type 3 (hard prune) variety, and the redish little one a texensis hybrid, possibly Princess Diana or Duchess of Albany. I don't know that much about this type yet. Mine are so young that I intend to cut them back next Spring, when Forsythias bloom, if Winter hasn't already done the job for me, which happens on many of my clems. Cutting down will not kill a clem, at worst will delay or forego blooming that season. Cutting has been recommended on the forum for rejuvination old clems that have woody stems. After you cut down, give the plant a good feeding. Rose or tomato food, bone meal, dried cow manure will halp it to grow back. Marie in ME

it was a spreading yew. about 6' across. came with the house. this was prompted by a design opportunity due to a neighboring shrubs death. I had an inkberry, viburnum and the yew across the back of the garage. The viburnum died so I thought it would be a good idea to have 3 inkberry's in a row. They would make a nice simple backdrop for busier smaller stuff in front of them and clematis trellises in back of them. Hope it works out that way! I also had to transplant two 3-year old inkberry's from another location! Oy, my aching back! I say go for it on the weigela... 15 years is plenty! Its like furniture...sometimes its just time to replace the couch when you are sick of it even if the springs are still good.

Tordon...it has worked wonders on the fence lines and pastures on our place. You can get it at any farm and home supply store...be very careful with it as it will kill any woody plant (trees that you want to keep) in it's path if there is even a breeze...only get it on the plant to be snuffed out...it will do the job. Other than that I can only suggest goats cause they eat everything. Multiflora rose seemed like a good idea at the time much like the folks in the south thought kudzu would solve their problem.

Gardengal, I have known you for years and in fact you and I have had the same mentor to get to where we are! We have a history here, on the Hoya, Cactus, Containers, Rose, Fragrant, Houseplant, and many other forums! Please, for what it's worth, there are members here that far surpass the "mules" as you say that REALLY appreciate the gifts you have to offer including me, I do, and a whole handful that have been nothing but kind and eager to learn, not to mention any names. I agree, there are at time mules here, but then so too at the Cactus Forums and others, a reason why I stopped posting there for a while and many other forums. Promised myself I was not going to give myself that lost opportunity to help others despite what a slight handful might act like or say and that is why I am posting up a storm there again....One thing I did promise myself is that I will never stop being kind or helping those of the general population here or any other place in which the majority far outweigh the few. You and I go way back and I know as you know I do that there are many innocent good hearted ones that watch us through closed doors, hang around but never post, lurk, and even post that truly appreciate all that we do and share. As a plea to you, please don't leave here for the sake of a few, but continue to be a gem here on this forum and the many others that you have made a huge impact on, including on what I know. Sounds good? You of all people I believe will not disappoint nor the many others that truly have a soft spot for you, me just as our mentor Al have never. You and I know he never gives up on the many that DO appreciate good help that many need to know. From Me to you, one member here that has always respected and appreciated your offerings. We need people like you here! )) E- ail anytime if need be mikerno_1@yahoo.com