Another one.

very small buds

So when did you buy them? They don't look like they are going to bloom this year. Those tiny buds will probably dry up and fall off. It looks like they are being used for foundation plantings, which makes me wonder if they get enough sun. Al

I planted them in October. The are right next to the foundation, west side of the house. However, there are other 2 that I got from a different store that are doing fine and about to bloom. I planted along the same foundation. So I'm guessing that the location is not an issue. But if it is, I can move them to the east side of the house. Also, there are 1 more Sarah B that I got from this store that are in full 8 hours sun and it's doing the same thing. Small tiny buds.

Give them another year, they should be OK. It is not unusual for peonies to take this long to start blooming. Al

In my experience, tiny flower buds that form on otherwise healthy and mature plants and then dry and fall off can be a sign of:

1) planting too deeply (to be safe, I plant potted peonies even a tiny bit (2-3 mm) above ground level)
2) waterlogged / poorly draining soil

if two points above do not apply, then I second the advice to wait and see.

Mine is just like that........ It bounces back after each winter and is bushy and beautiful with those sucky tiny buds. I am reluctant to dig it up because it could be planted too deep. I'll leave it alone and see what happens. Totally disappointed in yet another bloomless year though.

Mzdee, if you think it might be too deep, this fall when it goes dormant, remove the soil from around the plant, then with a strong stream of water, blast the soil from the top of the roots so you can see the buds for next year. Now you can be sure its not too deep and see what it does next year. Al