Thanks Annette, I'm really not sure if the roots are even still there for either one or if they rotted away. I won't give up on either entirely. I will keep a close eye out for any sign of life in the spring and will have big pots handy, just in case! If not I'll get them replaced eventually and will be extra careful with them after. Most peonies are so close to indestructible that it's a bit of a shock to find those that fail. They're both nice enough to go through the extra effort to grow them here, though.
There are a couple of nurseries that carry a few peonies nearby, I've never seen Sea Shell or PHC there. Another peony enthusiast that lives on the other side of Denver told me about a nursery near her home that carries tree peonies, we're supposed to make a day of nursery visits next spring when they're in stock, that'll be a fun day!
