I'd wait until they start leafing out so you can see what's dead and alive. This winter's west-coast weather has been soooo strange. I have a number of plants that have been slow to leaf-out, at least until these 90º afternoons came along.

I agree this year, few of my other plants have just started leafing out. On the other hand, this salvia has about 20 % of leaves back, and it has been this way for a month.

-lg

On greggiis especially, you'll sometimes see new growth near the base, a length of no leaves, and then leaves at the tips. I'd prune the plants back to that lower set of new leaves.

This sounds as if it is 'Hot Lips'.

The cold winter in the UK has damaged it, but new sprouts are healthy from lower down. Prune to just above the new shoots.

If it is 'Hot Lips' (and it would seem to be this) it is a bit temperamental as to winter-hardiness. I have over-wintered plants in different parts of my garden...some are fine and in flower, others are dead! No obvious reason for this.

Robin.

I recommend against cutting Salvai greggii, microphylla, and their hybrids back th basal growth. These sages are like roses and bramble fruit not only in how they resume growth, but in how they start blooming. Just like you will miss spring raspberries if you cut second year canes, you will lose spring bloom on your sages.

rich: if I don't prune back those Salvias in the winter to the top of the lowest set of new growth, these Salvias would become unattractive woody monsters with only top growth. I know that CA has a bit different growth patterns, but mine are already blooming.

Hi Westelle,

Which salvia's are blooming for you right now? Just want to get ideas what to plant for a synchronized garden. Thanks.