Should I cut peonies after blooming, or is it more advantageous to leave them intact as they transition into their dormant phase? Peonies are known for their lush, captivating blooms that often evoke admiration, but once the flowers have faded, what should be the appropriate course of action? Should one engage in pruning to promote healthier regrowth for the following season, or may this practice inadvertently hinder the plant’s natural lifecycle? How does cutting back spent blooms influence the overall vigor of the plant? Is it possible that by removing dead or dying foliage, I might inadvertently disrupt the essential nutrient absorption needed for next year’s blossoms? Furthermore, could this decision have ramifications on the aesthetic quality of my garden? In a quest to maintain the delicate balance between horticultural beauty and plant health, what constitutes the best practice for handling peonies post-blooming? Would my garden benefit from a more hands-off approach, or would strategic pruning yield more favorable outcomes?