I only have a 6' tall basement and need to do some severe pruning. .... I'm in Z5 and frost will soon be upon me.

==>> so it has to come indoors for winter???

i would suggest you get rid of one ... no clue why you need more than one ... eh ... might make hubby part happy .. lol ...

then i would try propagating.. under lights... some new pieces.. and when i was sure i succeeded ... i would get rid of the other old monster ...

if you scroll down the page.. it seems to indicate that it can be done by cuttings ... but one link suggests soft wood.. it may be the wrong season for such ...

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=pavonia+multiflora+propagation&t=ffcm&ia=web

it is also noted as a houseplant.. and i wonder if you might find someone with experience.. in that forum????

if youve had it outdoors for summer... im wondering why it is so spindly .... that is usually when tropical stuff thrives after a long winter indoors .. perhaps a pic might get some speculation going on that topic.. whens the last time they were repotted???

ken

Prune back lightly at end of winter each year, as needed to keep small enough to fit in space. Sparse branching and 6 ft. height typical for Pavonia x gledhillii so your room is just barely high enough to contain its normal growth*. To encourage good response provide warm and humid situation during summer growing period, with liberal watering and monthly fertilization at this time also.

*Tell your husband you need a conservatory.

Thanks so much Ken and Embothrium, Ken, I've had them for at least 5 years and the problem was I had way too much to do and I never had the time to prune them except last summer I pruned back one by 1/3. It did make bushier growth on top of that one but the bottom is still spindly. I also repotted both and I do keep them under lights in the basement. I need a more severe pruning but I'm afraid of killing them so I will check out that link you sent. Thanks for your help.

Embothrium, I've been telling my husband I wanted a greenhouse for years lol. I used to grow my own vegetables and had 2 4x8 tables full of flats in the basement under lights but I hurt my back and can't carry things anymore. Now I have a butterfly and hummingbird garden. Perennials are easier but still wish I had that greenhouse haha. Thanks for taking the time to answer.