Sure you can grow peonies in other than ideal conditions. You should not expect stella performance. Less bloom and later to start blooming would be expected. You may also have a mildew or botrytis problem. If this is acceptable go ahead and grow peonies. Al

What is the best location to grow peonies in the arid southwest at 5200 ft. elevation?

I have tried full sun like back in Iowa but the plants did poorly. Then I made a bed that is shaded lightly in mid afternoon by a Staghorn sumac 6ft. tree on the north side. I have over 2 dozen peonies (all the old double varieties) & they have just finished their beautiful bloom! Because of the low humidity they don't have the full peony fragrance like back home in Iowa but I am so happy to now have them growing so well that I'm still satisfied! Local nurseries still tell people to plant them in full sun here but it didn't work for me! Any ideas as to conditions needed in our hot, arid climate for peonies in general?

What is the correct pronounciation of 'peony': ? pea ONY
or PEA ony ?? Grandma used the first!

Both are correct. I suggest planting on north side in some shade.