I found out the hard way that I cannot grow peonies -- tree or herbaceous peonies--here in Zone 8 West Alabama. The soil is acid, climate hot and humid, and fairly warm winters. Can't grow apples because we can't meet the chill requirement.
Peonies do have a chill requirement -- I would say Zone 8 is not suitable for them. Also they do not like acid soil. They grow great back home in Zone 4 Northern Michigan with long cold winters, and glacial soils. So give them what they need and they should do well. Hugelkultur is an added incentive to make them do well.
And They are so beautiful. The flower that inspired chinese pottery decorations since Ming times!
http://www.thegardenwindow.com...
Good luck and send us a picture!
