I enjoy the APS newsletter or bulletin for the serious information presented by notable experts. The September issue had a discussion concerning the effects of weather upon peonies plus a few other tidbits concerning initial planting. One message was one should pay attention to the amount of late summer rain and should water the dormant peonies on a regular basis if the weather has been exceptionally dry over the summer. They require moisture in order to create the new roots necessary for spring growth. Obviously, the condition and type of soil plays a major part in the water requirement. Peonies, like iris, do not like wet feet.
One exception is do not water dormant fernies. Most experts say it does no good and can cause the roots to rot if they are kept wet.
