Peonies Won`t Bloom

Q: My peonies won’t bloom. They are in mostly sun with a little shade right now. I’m wondering if they need to moved. 

A: Three things strike me as essential for success with peonies in Georgia: loose, well-draining soil, protection from afternoon sun in summer, and chilly winters. To increase your success with the plant, choose a planting spot that gets six hours of morning sunshine but dappled shade in afternoon. Amend the soil with plenty of soil conditioner before planting. You can move them now. Since peonies need to be cold in winter, plant your roots shallowly, barely an inch deep in the soil. Fertilize in early spring with an organic fertilizer like Holly-tone or Milorganite. I have a list of Southern peonies at http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/peony-growing-in-the-south/.