It doesn't look as if it's been cut back. What was your procedure? And have you tried more water?

They look toasted -- probably not enough water.

I had some look like this last year when they git too dry. Fortunately they recovered.

Floral_uk I did cut them back to the joint just beneath the flower head. There is new growth coming up from the ground. I am thinking that I should cut it back that far. We had so much rain in June and first half of July, that I guess I got used to not having to water so much. Do they normally need a lot of water?

debra

They need to be cut back much lower. The second picture shows seed heads still on long flowering stems implying you left a lot of the flower head behind. Cut them down to healthy leaves where the flowering stem begins. New flowering stems will arise from the leaf axils. Or you just can do it fast with hedge shears. Either way don't be delicate.

As to how much water they need that depends on the conditions. There isn't a rule. Just watch and water as necessary.