Around here they bloom around mid-spring. They bloom on new wood so I don't think it'd be an issue removing limbs with dead leaves. Then again it is semi-evergreen so you can keep it and the plant could sprout from there.

It may be that you planted the vine after their bloom period...so this year should be its first test. Good luck!

YES YES YES!!! I have one, little bloom as of today! I wish I could tell what the buds looked like so I would know if I'll have more. I imagine if I get one bloom, I'll get more, God willing! :) I did plant past blooming season last year, but I thought we were getting past blooming season again this year. But I guess not. Thanks for the reply--I'll follow up if/when I get more blooms. So excited--we went out of town for the weekend and when we came back, the grass seed that we had spread had sprouted like crazy and I had my little bloom. We were thrilled! What dorks we are! :)