Ever since we moved into this house in an older neighborhood where several other houses have flourishing peony clumps, I've been jonesing for one of my own. Last week I finally bought one in a gallon pot. I didn't know it was better to buy them in fall, or I might have done that.

Anyway, is it a good idea to sink the pot in the flowerbed where I want to put the peony, and leave it there till fall? I think I'd worry less about it drying out than if I were to leave the pot exposed and it sounds like transplanting it now isn't a good idea.

And how do I tell if I got lucky and will get a bloom this year?

Thanks,

Kristin