Can't remember if I've asked this here or not. Will peonies grow in north Florida? I'm in the panhandle about 30-40 miles north of Panama City. If so any suggestions on which to get? I grew up in Philadelphia and loved my Mom's peonies...in spite on the ants Can't say that I've ever seen any here, but would like to try my luck...as long as it wouldn't be a death sentence

You may want to check with other gardeners in your area. Generally speaking, peonies need several weeks of frosty or freezing temperature in order to do well. Buy a cheap one and try it before investing in the more expensive ones. Plant it with the eyes level with the surface so it can feel the cold air. Deeper planting will just insulate it since the soil will not be as cold as the air where you are located.

Most peonies require ten weeks fo chilling in order to flower.
But there are new varieties coming out every year.
There may be some varieties which do not need as much chilling.
Perhaps the American Peony Society would have information?

Thanks for the info

NOT that I want a "cold time" but guess I'll just have to visit my DD to enjoy peonies...for her they bloom

Peonies are reliable bloomers and the plants last forever.
Here they are a no fuss plant as they just need some water,--
and maybe a shovel of well rotted manure in the spring.
They are a very good investment up here in temperate zones.

There must be some tropical plants which would be as good for your area?
How about Cannas?

There are...just wanted peonies 'cause I grew up with them in Philly. And lilacs Mom had some beautiful double french. and pussy willows and spring blooming bulbs like crocus,snow drops,bluebells, tulips....well you get the idea

Since chilling is 40F and below with the weather Florida has been having there should be no reason that lack of cold should prevent planting. Much would depend on the soil as sandy type soils tend to harbor nematodes which can cause problems and eventually kill the plant.

I would stay away from the doubles because I believe the heat will prevent them from opening. However many of the others, singles, semi-doubles, or Japanese should do ok. Bloom will not be as good as your mother's. Most are never that good.

Have your Mother send you a cheapy root, which should be arriving at the box, or wally world shortly and as stated above plant shallowly with eyes above soil. Add a bag of the cheap compost 40 pound bags before planting would be nice.

Thanks Alana. I'll check stores when I go to town again. One from my Mom would be a "gift from heaven".

I know peony grow here in 8a, the same zone as you.I have heard that they thrive on neglect and probably enjoy partshade.. I also had them when I lived up north(Canada).

Ginger, I grow peonies in zone 9. I just empty the ice cube tray onto the soil above them a few times during the winter if I don't get enough frost. And peony trees grow and bloom here even without the aid of ice cubes.

Ice cubes on peonies ....now there's a dedicated gardener. 12 degrees here this morning so things which need a good chill are getting it. Here we covet all the lovely tropicals that can be grown in warmer climates. I would really miss lilacs if I couldn't grow them, and peonies, tulips, daffs..and then bearded iris and hosta do better with a winter dormancy. It's always fun to grow something that is not supposed to prosper in our area.

Ice cubes...hmmmm...interesting idea

It works. I used to do that out in CA. Don't need to here in TN.

Thanks all for your advice

There are people growing peonies successfully in North Florida or even USDA 10b.
These two links may help:
https://www.treepeony.com/page...
http://hollingsworthpeonies.co...

Ginger, I know how you feel. I love peonies and cannot imagine my life without them.

You might want to research High Noon tree peony.
It is known that HN can bloom twice in a season. When I heard about this, I couldn't understand how. My HN has never bloomed twice for me, but after several years of observing the plant, I understand the cycle. Sometimes (our 5a) mild fall weather, which is definitely above 0 and perhaps 5 to 10C, can trigger new growth. Now I understand that HN can bloom twice because the cooling effect during even mild fall weather is enough to break dormancy. Unfortunately, our winters come fast, so I am sure HN will never bloom twice for me, and breaking dormancy before winter is very dangerous in this temperature zone. However, HN obviously does not need below zero temperatures to break dormancy.

Good luck with your peonies.

Ginger, I've just followed the link to the Cricket Hill Gardens posted by Littlebin. Thank you Littlebin.

The owner is very knowledgeable and she will certainly tell you if they have customers in you area. I would just call them and ask. They also indicated that P. lutea is doing well in warmer climates. High Noon TP has a lot of P. lutea. Definitely something to consider.

I live in north Florida and have peonies in the ground. They are slow to grow, but have survived. I've also experimented with putting peonies in the refrigerator for a couple of months to see if they perform better than icing them in the ground. The ones I put in the refrigerator have done much better than those in the ground. The real problem is that the temps are just too high too much of the time for peonies to do well in the ground. I have herbaceous, itoh and tree peonies all growing. The image is of a Raggedy Ann itoh peony from 2018. First year blooming. The second pic is 2019, the same peony. Definite change in color from year one to two.

Congrats! I am so glad that you posted your experience! It is wonderful to know that you can grow peonies in your warm zone. Your Raggedy Ann is gorgeous! I really like the second pic!