You can cut back the flowering stems now-ish, as they fade, especially in the south of the country, and the plant will look tidier for it. There is an argument for this method, as the plants seem to grow more neatly, and last longer. However, in colder areas, the old flowering stems afford some protection to the plant, so a spring prune is advised. Whatever time of year you do it, don't cut back too hard (ie into the old brown wood, as the plants don't regenerate well from that ). Cuttings can be taken now, although a little late, Otherwise, mid to late summer, side shoots under a node, in gritty compost, is the safest method. Phil J .