more shrubby salvias

Last Autumn I planted here in Midlands, several Salvias - Ember Wish, Hot Lips, Blue Lips, Royal Bumble and similar. Many of you will have much experience with these, I can see. I was rather surprised they all survived to this Spring. I did give a cut back but with all small new plants there wasn't a lot to cut. As the stems have grown, I have pinched out and possibly should have cut further down instead as they are rather floppy growing from the tops, but at least flowering. Is this to be expected the first year and then give more stringent attention next Spring, please?