Should I Cut Back Perennials In Frigid Temperatures?

Q: Is now a good time to cut back salvia and other perennials or is it not a good idea with frigid temps still possible? 

A: My practice is to cut down brown stems whenever I see them, no matter what the weather. Some owners of “Miss Huff” lantana vociferously disagree with me, but I cut the stems off in early winter after they freeze. Whenever you do it, your salvia will look better next year after being “compacted” by pruning in winter.