"Tom Line" wrote in message
...
How much should I cut back a Don Juan climber? It produces less and less
each year. Should I be cutting it down short each season instead of
leaving it long?

I have a Don Juan and compared to the New
Dawn on the other side of the arbor, it is a
poor performer. However, it keeps chugging
along and producing few but gorgeous blooms
so I'm sticking with it.

That said, if you prune short a climber (cut
back all the canes) you risk doing it harm.
Preferred is to cut out one of the oldest (generally
largest) canes at the bud union.

Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8