Question
QUESTION: A number of leaves have died due to frost.  I have new leaves growing near the base but there is so much that needs to be cut can I just cut straight across the plant or will that damage the large stem?

ANSWER: HI Ron, Cut them back by entire stems and leaves, from the bottom , where each joins the mass. You can't hurt it , so don't be afraid, but do cut them by entire stems and leaves. Don't cut the main trunk! only the stems that join there that are damaged or unsightly. Nick

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White Bird Cut Back   QUESTION: Is this the correct way to have cut off the dead leaves?  I am getting new grow near the bottom. One area at the bottom looks like a small stem.  What will happen there as far as growth?

Answer
...Thats fine, new growth will develop from the surface, picture an underground Potato, and the many eyes that send out shoots from it, this is what the Rhizome looks like underneath, and your new shoots will grow from there. The original will develop growth from the top, and as I said, eventually the new shoots from the Rhizome will cover the bare, originals Plants,  trunk area. Nick