Hard Winter

QUESTION
What do I do?

I have three big Loropetalum shrubs that were hit hard this winter. The beautiful burgundy leaves have all turned brown and curled. They come off easily in my hands. The branches are still flexible so I think they are still alive but ALL THOSE BROWN LEAVES!! Do I cut the shrubs down and if so how far?
My Nandina look worse with barely any leaves at all. Should I chop them down?

ANSWER
Your plants look a lot like mine and many others in our area. Those Polar Vortex blasts did a number to some of our plants as they brought the low temperatures usually reserved for colder hardiness zones. In the case of both your Nandinas and Loropetalum, i would wait a bit until they start to push out new growth. Then, it should be OK to cut back to wherever you seen green growth. Give the plants until mid-May to decide whether or not they’ll make it.