I am taking advantage of all the old growth that has sprouted for an early bloom. Unless laziness occurs the old branches will eventually be pruned back and the fresh growth at the base will be allowed to take over. I am presuming that like me you are seeing big nests of fresh growth.

Ward - I was wondering if you'd reply!

My "Furmans Red" Salvia's new growth is coming mainly from the ends of the old gnarly branches. So I can I cut those off and have the whole thing bounce back from a base little stump? Or, should I gradually cut off the old branches one at a time - and wait for some re-sprouting before moving on to clip the next old branch? I guess being slow and cautious never hurts...

I wouldn't push it. They should naturally put out new growth at the base eventually - you have to hope. If you're crowns are old and woody you might want to layer this summer.