don't know about Austin, but my Uncle Charlie was told, disparagingly, that he wouldn't be able to grow peonies here in DFW/8a.

which activated the hardheadedness that seems to develop in old bachelors & that also runs in my family (I, of course, am unaffected!).

so Uncle Charlie read up on peonies & prepared the most perfect environment for them, & *ordered some peonies by mail*.

He never had paid for anything he hadn't seen, & he hardly ever spent money on anything other than his cat & Prince Albert tobacco. & nobody in our area ever bought plants anyway;

everybody passed-along.

Those peonies grew & thrived, & their gorgeous flowers stopped traffic for years.

edited to add:

They were in full sun on the south side of the house, so they got sun all day long.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/peony

I have peony plants in my garden - East Texas by Tyler. I planted them on a whim, but they have grown and bloomed, and every year I am amazed by them. I think a lot has to do with the type. My favorite is Festiva Maxima, but I also have a Sarah Bernhardt that blooms its heart out. Yes, full sun, although right now their foliage is looking a bit tired (as is most of my garden now). Blooms don't last long, but I don't think they last long anywhere! I imagine Dallas could grow peonies fine, but I am a little surprised about Austin.

Would it be too nosy to ask what part of Austin? This is so tempting.

I'm not as surprised to hear they grow in east TX, Holley. Just mildly surprised. :^)

This was in River Place, Annie. I'm guessing the people the planted it used amended soil. Out there you have a few inches of dirt and then solid rock in the natural areas.

Thank you. I grew lots of peonies in IL, including some species & tree peonies, but left them all behind. Fun to know someone has made them live here!