DampGardenMan, if you don't cut back, I believe you'll end up with really straggly old growth that never flowers or green up around the old growth. The new growth will be further up. It will be less vigorous and with less flowers.
@Borderline- thanks. I'd better make notes to cut if I can get hold of one. Having a wet garden (my screen name is probably too optimistic!) Marsh Clematis sounds like it might be just the job. It's just that I'm (ever more) apt to forget when things need pruning.
Why not take a break from the 'norm' and try something different? Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman's Pipe) can be vigorous and soon obscure unsightly objects . Parthenocissus may have some species of interest ; P.quinquefolia or P.tricuspidata are both self-clinging , tolerate damp soil and give good Autumn colouration . Vitis coignetiae doesn't mind damp either , attatches by tendrils and often (again) colours well later in the year . Sunny and damp conditions could work well here .
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A good pink form of clematis crispa
Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman's Pipe) can be vigorous and soon obscure unsightly objects .
Parthenocissus may have some species of interest ; P.quinquefolia or P.tricuspidata are both self-clinging , tolerate damp soil and give good Autumn colouration .
Vitis coignetiae doesn't mind damp either , attatches by tendrils and often (again) colours well later in the year .
Sunny and damp conditions could work well here .