I read somewhere years ago that peonies won't survive the heat in zone 7 (actually I'm in Columbia, SC), but I've got one that has done well in a shaded spot for several years. It does seem to stop blooming and die back around August each year, and I always think it's gone for good. Have been so pleased to see it again each spring!

Now, I am thinking of trying to divide it. Any tips?

Anyone else growing these in hot climates? Anything I can do to prevent it from fading away so quickly at the summer's end?

Do you trim it back in the fall? I've trimmed mine back, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to or not.