Spring haircuts -Epimediums etc

I have some big clumps of epimedium under a laurel that's just been cut back. Can I just shear them off, and let the new growth come through? They look OK but maybe they could look even better. While on the subject I've been cutting old fronds off my ferns. Will hart's tongue ferns benefit from the same treatment - it kind of looks more permanent than the others?

 

Hi Madahhlia,
I've removed all the tatty old leaves and stems from my Epi - ready for its new display of Spring flowers. The new leaves quickly follow and will be a beautiful reddy/green colour by late April,
Jenny