Should I cut peonies back in the fall? This query lingers in the minds of ardent gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts alike as autumn’s chill descends and leaves begin to carpet the ground. The allure of peonies, with their opulent blooms and lush foliage, raises an important contemplation: what is the best approach to prepare these verdant perennials for the dormant months? As the vibrant greens fade into a tapestry of russet hues, one wonders if severing their once vigorous stems is a prudent choice or an act of unforgivable folly. Does cutting back promote healthier growth in the following spring, or does it risk depriving the plant of essential energy reserves? Could the timing and method of this seasonal pruning significantly influence the subsequent resurgence of those resplendent petals? With so many variables at play, each gardener must ponder their gut feelings and experience while seeking the most balanced and informed response to this botanical dilemma.