Leggy Climbers - Any Solution ?

I am having problems with 2 plants growing a bit leggy.
The first pic shows a Solanum Aureo Variegatum , which had some iris growing in front thus all growth is at the top.

The second is a Virginia creeper , now this has not been blocked from the light , but we would like the leaf growth to start lower down - at about knee height - as it did in its first year. I'll only want to grow it to 10 ft max anyway.
If i cut these right back to 3ft high next spring ( feb- march ?) Would they grow back , or would I be inflicting a mortal blow to them ?
Any help or pointers appreciated.
TIA

 

First of all, Harry, Solanum, is NOT a climber. It is what is known as a wall shrub, this means you plant it next to a wall or fence and it will grow up. As for the Virginia Creeper. I would do what you suggest and see what happens.:thumb:

 

Thanks Dai , so if I cut both of them back next spring , they will have a good chance of regrowing ?

 

My dad used to cut their solanum back quite hard every year, it grew back every year.

 

David , Katherna , I'll cut them both back in late Feb along with my clematis :thumb:
Its always a bit daunting cutting things back severly , you can't quite believe they will regrow with new vigour.

 

The virginia creeper Id cut to 8" above ground level, give it a feed of bonemeal in the spring and it will be away like a rocket.

 

Thanks once again for your help Paul. :thumb: