Maybe this website can help you.

She grows peonies in a warmer zone.

http://www.southernpeony.com/search/label/questions

Hey Katspleen, does it look like your peony went dormant again? I wonder if the big peony suppliers have advice on this topic for buyers in warmer zones? If not, there are several growers that are a bit further south that might be a better source for better aclimitized roots.

If you are getting something similar to what I have with the middle bud in this picture sprouting a little, that's perfectly normal. Even up here in upstate NY, peonies will usually show some growth during the warmups, but overall the growth shouldn't really accelerate until March.

During vernalization, buds are often stretched causing buds to really swell up, getting prepared to use up the starch reserves.

Hi my peony is also sprouting like that and it is December now and we have not had much cold weather yet. Should I cover it up with some more compost to protect from frost in Jan or Feb?

Linda, I would definitely cover the tender buds coming up if you get some hard freezes now until *actual spring