Hi there Gardening Gurus,

I have three different clematis climbing and twining on an obelisk in my rose garden. The clems climb and climb before blooming or making buds, so eventually the obelisk becomes "top-heavy" with vining greenery. The flowers eventually come out, that is not the question. The question is, what would happen if I cut all of the vines that hang off the top of the obelisk? Would I get more blooming flowers from the remaining vine? Or would I get more vines (like when you pinch perennials?) My clems are Niobe and Bouchard, and one other I can't name today. I will cut one or two (just as an experiment because I am curious) but I recall posters saying that they were able to get clems to bloom into fall (Polish Spirit and Jackmanni) by deadheading. Any comments, anyone.

All postings appreciated, of course!