It's not too late at all. As a matter of fact, you can plant them anytime between now and early spring as long as the ground is not deeply frozen (unlikely in most of Tennessee these days).

The necessity or advisability of soil amendment depends on what type of soil you have. If you have decent soil, you're probably better off planting in original soil. If you soil is not well draining, you may want to consider a raised bed or small berm with amended soil. An addition of about 5% compost wouldn't hurt either way. Also, be sure to mulch them properly.

My advice is don't plant too deeply if you want blooms! Just 1-2" below the surface is plenty deep. Also site in sun. Just my 2 cents.

Hi greymom!

I too live in Spring Hill, and wanted to invite you to attend some Spring Hill Garden Club meetings. It has been the absolute best resource for getting good advice on what's up with our terrible soil and other local matters. Plus you'll meet the neatest people:)

It'd definitely not too late to plant; on the contrary, it's probably the BEST time to plant perennials! I've been collecting plants all year and waited til now to get them nestled into their permanent homes. Good luck with your peonies!

~Heather

Here is a link that might be useful: SHGC