Lady Alexandra Duff is a very vigorous grower in my zone 7a garden. My soil is heavy clay, but has been amended over the years. I planted this peony and 3 others in spring of 2020. I was told not to expect blooms for two years, but I got a very modest flush of blooms a month after planting the root in the ground. Last year, the foliage was much larger and I had over 20 blooms-not bad for such a young plant. The sent is lovely, and the foliage stayed nice and lush until it died back in the late fall. I know I’m supposed to pinch off the side bugs for larger blooms, but I just can’t bring myself to do that.

I live in coastal South Carolina, with very hot and humid summers. I have tried several Peonies with no success. I am a Master Gardner and know how to plant them etc. Are there any varieties hardy to zone 9? Or any suggestions?

Stan in Georgetown SC