This Rose of Sharon had been big and beautiful until this past winter (pardon the sideways photo--formatting issues). In fact, I was pretty certain that it was dead, as by the end of June, it had no leafing or growth--our other ROS's had leafed out by the beginning of June.
I set out around the 4th of July to chop it down and start over.
Note my surprise when I kneeled to cut it and noticed growth!

I want to see if it can revive itself. However, I do think I want to prune back the top that is definitely dry and dead.
How far down should I prune? The uppermost growth I see is about 1 1/2 to 2' above ground, and only on 2 major stems. Plenty of growth at the bottom of the plant.

Suggestions?