There are different kinds of Salvias and they need different kinds of pruning. The ones you have need to be deadheaded and fertilized now. Do you know the variety? name?

When you do prune you need to watch for new growth in the Spring and then cut back to one or two of the lowest buds for good branching. If you feel you really need to hard prune now then always leave the bottom of the existing branches for new growth.

Good luck!

Kate is right, they can all have different needs. Some of mine I just deadhead when needed and cut back in the spring and one I cut back to about 6-8 inches since its not frost tolerant and 3 months later its 18 inches tall.

It looks like S. farinacea. To keep it tidy, periodically trim the tallest or worst-looking branch to the soil like or where that stem emerges from the rest of the plant. That should inspire new growth without looking pruned or removing all of the foliage at a single time. Sometimes a plant can't recover from that much pruning at one time.

Thanks so much, all. purpleinoppl , Im certain that’s the one. Mine Mine are lacking the rich lower folliage as seen in these pics. Perhaps they lacked proper watering when newly planted. Hopefully, some will come back after judicious prinung. Thanks again!!

My pleasure! My plants look similar so I am also starting a "slow prune" plan for mine too. And I put some ornamental purslane near them to use that space below. (Portulaca umbraticola)