Salvia amistad

Ryan180680

Should I cut these back or leave to protect new growth over winter. I've read mixed advice online

dave125

I cut mine to the ground last winter and the beast from the east totally killed them. I haven't replanted this year but if I had I personally would have not cut them back this time until Spring - just the dead bits obv
Luv Dave

Hostafan1

much depends on your location and how mature the plant is.
 In a mild southerly garden, you might get away with them untouched. If it's very tall, I'd cut the top growth back to about a foot otherwise the wind can rock them about , which does them no good. 
If it's a first year plant, or your somewhere very wet as we are in Devon, I'd consider lifting it and giving it the protection of a cold greenhouse if you have one. 
So much depends on the options open to you and your own garden.

Nanniemo

I left 3 in the ground last winter and although protected I lost one, so I’ve lifted the 2 remaining ones this year.

Hostafan1

another factor is your soil: they're more likely to survive in free draining , sandy soil, but less so in heavy , soggy clay.

Pete.8

I cut mine back to 6" (so I can still see the dead stems in spring and not dig them up by mistake) and cover with 3-4" mulch. They're in well-drained soil and survived temps of -7c last winter. I've had them 5-6 years.
I always take a few cuttings late summer and over winter in a cold frame  - just in case.