That's a good deal. No wonder you couldn't resist!

I'd keep them in their pots in a shaded area for now. At the end of August put them in the ground.

Why? I don't rightly know, but the rule of thumb is that peonies like to be planted in the fall (late summer is ok).

Enjoy your babies!
Judye

Being in pots lets you have better control of their environment. I would probably repot them into one gallon pots now and into the garden in the fall. Al

Mae,
You will love your peony Sarah Bernhardt !!
Good Luck !
Olga,

I moved huge 8 year old clumps of Sara Bernardt peonies in the heat of Summer 2006 (it was a construction emergency). I dug them up with a big ball of dirt, could hardly lift those by myself. They are still growing and happy, I just watered them daily when it was too hot.

Now that it cools in Mid-west after a 100F scorch I started planting my irises and will be moving last clump of peonies this weekend.

If you leave these babies outside in small pots they will get too hot and dry out quickly. I'd find a permanent spot for them and plant them, mulch and water more often in the heat (have to water them often in the pots anyway). Next week looks very favorable for planting here in Nebraska with lower 80s and 60s at night, hope it is the case in MO as well!