When confronted with the unsightly and pervasive issue of powdery mildew afflicting your beloved peonies, an important question arises: should I cut back these plants or allow them to persist through the season? This dilemma not only involves considerations about the current health and aesthetics of your garden but also encompasses the potential repercussions on the peonies’ overall vitality and future blooming capabilities. Is pruning an effective method to mitigate the spread of mildew, or might it inadvertently exacerbate the situation? What are the best practices for managing such a fungal infestation while ensuring that your plants continue to thrive? Furthermore, could the timing of this decision—whether to cut back now or wait until the end of the season—significantly affect the peonies’ resilience? The interplay of these factors compels a deeper exploration into the horticultural ramifications of cutting back peonies beset by powdery mildew, provoking a spectrum of inquiries that merit careful consideration.