Peony Plants Wilted After Transplant

Q: I recently was given my neighbor’s big peony plants and had to transplant them immediately. I have kept them watered and have umbrellas covering them for a bit of shade but they are quite wilty. Should I cut the stems down to take water-gathering pressure off the tubers?

A: I could make an argument either way. Removing leaves would diminish the amount of water the roots need to absorb. But leaves absorb energy the roots need for daily sustenance. In the end, your instincts will give an answer. Remove a few leaves and see if the others perk up.