So, I've lurked a lot on here, and learned a LOT about how to take care of my (3) little clems, as well as give my mom's a better start. My aunt, however, has a pretty well established Nelly Moser (she's had it for more than 3 years, I'm thinking around 5 or 6). She has it growing up a pole for a decorative birdhouse. It is very bare at the bottom. She still gets quite a few flowers, but I really think that if she would be willing to chop it off, it would look a lot better. This is where my question comes in...

I don't think I can convince her to cut it back now (we're JUST starting to lose our snow) while it's still dormant b/c I'm pretty sure she won't get any flowers this year. Would letting it bloom and THEN hard pruning it down to about 12-18 inches work? I have images in my mind of this gorgeous full plant for her next year.......

I should also add that it may take a bit of convincing since she bought a 3gal jackmanii a few years ago and planted it with her roses and it promptly died and she hasn't seen it since!