Peonies require more patience. A bare root should not be compared with a bulb. If planted in good well drained rich soil and kept moist, the percentage of success is very high. Al

hey, i'm just across the river from Detroit, and just a hint of advice, if you're buying from wal-mart or home depot or something, buy peonies with sprouts already on them, more than just eyes. for some reason i've always had success that way. i feel bad for the ones growing in the bag because they can't escape! but then i know they're alive.

also, mine are about halfway to blooming by now. i would keep a careful watch though. i divided a big one last year and still have some small ones wih theire leaves all scrunched up.