I had an opportunity to dig some Peonies today. I know this is most definitely not the optimal time to transplant but the property is being sold by the owner and I was offered to dig as much as 1/5 of what was there. Turns out it was close to 20 starts by the time dug my share! I have to transport them from PA to Indiana and it will be about three days before they can get back in the ground. Then they will have 1 week that I can tend them well then they will be unattended for a week (no one to water them).

I'm looking for recommendations on the best approach for success. I've already pruned about 1/2 the leaf canopy off the plants but I'm wondering if I should go ahead and prune off the rest to prevent drying out. We're half way through summer and the roots tubers look pretty good. The soil was ultra dry and pretty much all fell off when I dug them so I went ahead and took them to bare root to prevent transportation of any soil borne pests, then soaked them in water for about 45 minutes. They are currently wrapped in wet paper towel and plastic bags to keep moist.

I could heal them in in some potting soil when I get them home and leave them in that for two weeks till I am able to tend to them well for the rest of summer.

Any suggestions?