How far can I cut it back, into brown wood or not? ???
I hack mine back pretty ruthlessly.......and they usually regrow very well. The cuttings can be rooted to make new plants as well, either softwood or hardwood, I get about 50% strike rate just bunging them in a pot with no TLC whatsoever... ;D
Ditto... but I usually stand them in water for a week until I see some roots..
:)