I would snip the middle flsuh and the side branching down to the 1st bud.

IME, more branching, more energy spent . So if you get 4 new branches out of the 2 side branching (vs 2 if you cut it off) then 4 stems use more energy, slightly smaller blooms, a bit less bloom heavy...

But LL will weep down, especially in sustained heavy rains. they remain vert until that 1st heavy rain where it water soaks the head ...

When my LL were younger, I have put a stake and roped and it has kept the entire thing vert for the entire season.

Hi a1an,

Thank you for your help. I understand what you mean about cutting the center one flush. I'm just not too sure what you mean here...."and the side branching down to the first bud? Do you mean the 2 short branches on either side of the one that I should cut flush? Thanks again for helping me with this.

Kinda hard to see in the pics, but the short branches on side - was last years new cane/growth. I'd cut it down to 2 or 1 bud (you can spot it by the little red bud if you look closely). Look for the -ring- as well. If you don't see it, give it a few weeks - observe it as it get's warmer. Ya can't miss it. Each bud is where new growth will be for this year. The left one for example in your picuture, about halfway down. The one on your right appears to have 3 .

Great, thank you so much. I will go and look for those buds and the ring, I'll cut the middle one down flush. Thanks for helping me with this. I really do appreciate your help.