I purchased and planted two hardy hibiscus varities last year. When the cold weather arrived, I was going to cut the branches back to the ground. But my garden neighbor said "No, No, NO! Leave it alone until you see new growth in the spring."

I haven't seen ANY new growth at all.

Until yesterday.

Wayyyy down near the base of the plant I saw little green buds growing.

So my question is...what about all these bare branches on this thing? Should I cut them back? Leave them alone until those buds grow up more?