i would prune out the dead wood now, easier than when growth starts.

Oh rifis , I’m sorry to hear fire opal hasn’t been great for you ! My plant had come from lowes and was really great in its spot. Oddly, I’ve not seen it for sale or even heard it mentioned lately ! Wonder if it dropped out of favor . How about some alfalfa tea to get some new canes going ?

My two are own root from Chambless and very healthy with no dieback. Sorry to hear about your troubles. I second some alfalfa tea after cutting out the dead wood. Im assuming these are grafted

Yeah, I'd go with alfalfa and pruning out the dead wood. But I would take care to NOT make my cut too close to that new green shoot-better leave an inch or so of dead stump above the bud rather that risk damaging it by attempting to cut too close: "knowing that an attempt at a clean cut may not always result in a clean cut" is SO true and well-said!

Its not too soon to start giving alfalfa tea? I am 2 hours NE of Houston - its still chilly here at night - low will be 40 tonight, tomorrow high is 69. Would love to start doing some light organic fertilizing.......

Judith