I have to admit that I didn't realise I was meant to prune penstomens, I wondered why mine always seemed to get woody. I've just looked it up and it seems that if you haven't got any growth from the base yet then you just shorten the stems, making the cuts just above the lowest set of healthy leaves.

I'll have to go out now and examine mine, see if I've got any new growth!

I pruned mine back earlier in the week,as it has new growth coming from the bottom now,and up the straggly stems....but it has been in a pot in the Growhouse all winter..It was quite a small one last year,so didn't think it would survive outside...

I only cut mine down to about 6ins above the ground when I see some side shoots off the main stem. Mine are very delayed due to the cold weather in north east.
Keep the faith!

Like Bloomer, I've only cut mine back recently (and I'm in balmy Berkshire), and they've only just started to shoot

Thanks glad to see I'm not alone then. Better hang on a while.

Mine are leggy as I also haven't pruned them back yet..