I like this no pruning idea and will give it a try with some of my clems this year. I had an interesting read this summer in the Vintage Gardens newsletter. The owner wrote about a long-term research study regarding pruning and roses... the study shot down the necessity for many of the rose pruning practices that have been promoted by the "experts" for years. I was glad to read it as I am a notoriously careless pruner with my roses. I wonder if perhaps a study of clematis cultivars would result in similar findings.
Perhaps the difference is that your clems never hit full dormancy due to the warmer temps...
I now feel a compulsion to look up research on this subject. =P
