I finally got my Bartzella Itoh peony today. I've been waiting a long time for the price to go down and it was a stroke of luck that I discovered a garden centre here in Oshawa, Ontario that is currently selling them for $50.00. I've been researching Itohs a bit and most reports say that planting is best done in the Fall. Obviously it's June and I can't wait for October to roll around. It's now planted (properly I think!).

(1) The eyes are at ground level. Is this correct?

(2) My heavy soil was well amended with manure, peat moss, & compost. So, is watering now my only concern then since we're supposed to have a very hot, humid summer this year?

(3) I know these peonies die down in the Fall but am I supposed to cut it down to ground level and remove the foliage that remains?

(4) Do I mulch for winter protection?

I'd really appreciate any advice from seasoned Itoh peony owners!