By Pdb
Lancashire,
United Kingdom 
I invested in a new border last year and have pruned the ones I should have done in autumn. Am I ok to prune the spring plants now? I can see new shoots under some of the old leaves, but others there is no sign of life. I was going to tidy away all final fallen leaves but shall I leave them as protection against any frost.
6 Mar, 2010
Answers
It is going to be -3 tonight and all those dead stems will be helping keep the plants warm - but they also look gross by this time of year, so I would say resist if you can for another couple of weeks. If you arent sure whether it is dead try looking for some green under the bark or just give it another month or so. Lythrum Salicaria is really slow to get started so dont be too quick to give up.
6 Mar, 2010
I am hoping to cut down the dead stems of phlox and asters tomorrow if it doesnt rain. So yes it is fine to tidy up. It also removes places where slugs hide.
6 Mar, 2010