Check with your local county extension for annual chilling hours. If you get 400 or more your peony should be fine. The container will need to be good sized I would suggest at least 18 inches eventually but you could start with a smaller size and repot in a couple of years. Use a well drained planting mix and when you water always water until you see the water coming from the drain holes. Peonies like to be well fed and in a container I would start with a time release type either a balanced 14-14-14 or 18-6-12 formula. Some fertilizers will say they are good for 9 months, but I think 4 to 6 monthes will be more realistic. Plant your peony high enough that you can see the buds for next years stems. In your area if you cover them you will probable not get enough chilling for them to bloom. Al