Dear All; John's experience with a Chinese peony (i.e. an herbaceous lactiflora selection) is as I suggested. These do very poorly in mild climates, but don't confuse a Chinese peony with a Chinese TREE peony (TP). There are four major cultivar groups of Chinese TP. All should do well in milder climates especially the suffruticosa types and especially those selected for mild climates. Japanese cvs have been selected for centuries from Chinese stocks, but are in general hardier and better suited to a wide range of climates. Selections of the TP sp. P. rockii are just coming into the US and these should prove the hardiest of the lot for Chinese TP. Rick (Rogers) or Brother's TP is one of the best sellers particularly of the American/Lutea hybrids (This includes 'High Noon'). Thanks for adding the note about fall planting. There's no way I could say everything in 2 small TOW pieces. The intent was to incite interest in warm climate species for the milder West Coast. Walter's Garden does sell herbaceous and tree peonies in the spring. Generally a small selection and at very modest prices, but ONLY wholesale. Typically growers who buy plants in quantity are better able to establish these plants than most amateur gardeners. One reason I urge Fall planting only. Nurseries want plants in the spring "garden season' -a falsehood foisted on the unknowing public. Now potted peonies are appearing in garden centers, often in bloom. If healthy there is no reason not to purchase these, but keep them potted for FALL planting. Unpotting is sure to disturb the roots, stress the plant's annual cycle and possible kill the plant. This is especially true of herbaceous peones, less of TP. Onset of peony dormancy is controlled by many factors and differs from species to species. Ambient temp, soil temp. freeze, rainfall all are factors. Unfortunately mass market growers of peonies(and many other plants) tend to sell plants that propagate well, sell well, have some built in publicity etc, and NOT necessarily those best suited for specialty climates. To get mild climate Chinese TP cvs you must go to a grower who specializes in Chinese Tp and discuss mild climate cvs, and NOT White Flower Farm or Michicagn Bulb Company (I know you thought they were gone , but 'They're back"!) Likewise Mediterranean species need to be grown from seed exchange seed or specialty growers. (see The Genus Paeonia for details). Good luck, Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 E-fax 419-781-8594 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +