Tracy, everything I've read and advice from southern peony growers says that peonies need a minimum of 50 days of maximum 40 degree temps in the winter to make it to bloom. Springs that warm up too quickly will decimate peony buds as well, I see that occassionally with the latest bloomers in Co because of our altitude. If I were you I'd haunt the Southern Peony blog as well as ask questions of other peony growers in your zone. Don't remember how to find it but there was a map function here that showed if there were other members in your area, concentrate your questions on them since they'll be the most familiar with what you deal with gardening, maybe they can offer tips and suggestions for varieties that will be more successful in your area. They're more expensive and you might hesitate since your herbaceous buds failed this year but Itohs seem to shrug off the heat better, you might want to invest in at least one to try. If not, I'd do a search for the type that you like but concentrate on the earliest blooming varieties to give them the best fighting chance at success.
I live in an area now that EASILY gets the needed chill, actually doesn't seem to know when to stop chilling....but plan to retire in a warmer zone. I'm currently negotiating with my husband to make sure that retirement place is at least marginally hospitable to peonies! So I certainly have a vested interest in seeing how far south they can bloom.
