Others may do things differently, but I leave ours as they are until Spring.

Why not take the average and cut them half way - that way you'll protect the crowns a bit and cut down any wind damage.

The growing instructions I got with mine some time ago suggested mulching over the crown to protect it. I have done this with mine for some years after cutting back to about 6" above ground. After a couple of years they selfseed very easily so if you look around you should spot seedlings too.

i leave mine and cut down in spring. the small finches seem to like any seed they find and they look good frosted.

I find that I can rarely keep the 'mother' plant through the winter but they self seed so readily that in late spring you will find dozens of small seedling plants that will flower that year. Once you have this plant you will always have it. I love having it in my garden.

I agree with Seaburngirl and John. The finches and sparrows do love them and certainly lots of insects hibernate among the dead florets. I've never protected the plants down here in the south, and seedlings do pop up everywhere! I wouldn't be without this plant, which makes a wonderful foil for so many others and is a favourite with bees!