Peonies produce their extravagant display in early June every year, regardless of weather, because they are among the most durable and longest-lived plants. They have no natural enemies, no exacting cultural requirements beyond full sun and neutral to slightly sweet soil (lime every couple of years around the base of the plant here in Maine), and they shrug off cold.  They are among the few perennials that don't require division, in fact, they resent disturbance. After bloom is complete, you are left with a handsome mound of glossy, deep green foliage that will happily anchor the next sequence of bloom in the neighborhood. Peonies make superior cut flowers, lasting more than a week if cut in full bud.  Finally, the fall foliage they produce can be spectacular.  One must: Do not plant the eyes more than 2" below the surface of the soil.  Plants below or 3-5 eyes.