Not sure Dory but, from what I can gather, most plants should be left to die down as the nutrients in the foliage feeds the roots. I'm going to leave mine to die back then tidy it up in the spring but if this is the wrong advice, I'm sure someone will correct me and I'll follow the more experienced advice

The dead foliage also protects the roots, acts like a sort of mulch - however, if you want a tidy garden, you can cut it down yourself, or pull off the dead material a bit later on.

Thank you Bamboo and Silverbell for your advice. It is tucked away a bit so will leave well alone until the spring. Will remember this advice for future referencefor my other perennials. (seems I have been a norty girlie for cutting them back too soon!). Thanks again. Dory.

Don't castigate yourself - many of the gardening magazines used to be rigorous in telling you to cut everything back and clean up the garden before winter, because debris left lying about can harbour insects and diseases. Its true, they can - but they also provide a safe haven for just as many 'friendly' insects over winter. Exceptions would be if you've had capsid bug infestation, or problems with fungal infections, then dead foliage should be cleared away.

and leaving all the leaves etc is mother natures way to .

Thank you Noseypotter and Bamboo. Disease and pests were my main worry, but now I feel a bit more confident. As you probably guessed, I am not an A1 gardener. I potter about mainly with pots! I lost interest in my garden about six years ago due to bereavement but this last couple of years its all coming back and I have discovered an interest in flowers now rather than just foliage. Happy gardening to all! Dory.

your more than welcome dory .