They are so pretty when they're potted up and blooming, aren't they? It's easy to lose the buds if you buy one like that and plant it out right away. If you're in a position to buy one budded up I'd purchase it and leave it in the pot. Put that nursery pot in a heavier one and mulch it, that will keep the temp down around the roots when you put it out in the sun. Depending on your zone and the temps during your spring/summer I'd expose it to several hours of sun in the cooler parts of the day, then some shade as it gets hotter. Don't water in excess but don't let it dry out either, the mulch will help with that. Once it's done blooming you can leave it in dappled shade all day if you'd like but still don't let it dry out. It'll probably die back faster than established ones in your garden but that's okay. Keep the pot watered as before, slightly damp soil, definitely not sopping wet. Then just plant it out in the fall. One of the ladies in this forum suggested using Epsoma BulbTone in the fall and again in the spring, I've tried it and it seems to make a big difference. Just a teaspoon full each time. Even with this you might have little or no blooms 2nd spring while it's roots are getting established but it'll be just fine!

Linda Van, the crazy page won't let me submit a new comment! I'd put the plastic pot inside a larger, heavy pot--large enough so there's air gaps between the pots. That should provide the most heat defense for a peony left in a pot.

Lizbest1, when you say put the nursery pot in a heavier one and mulch it, do you mean put the whole pot or take it out of the nursery pot and put into a heavier one? I saw some at a local nursery and couldn't resist, until I got home and started thinking about when to plant it. I bought just one as I'll wait until the fall and order some more.

Did you see my response,Linda? Couldn't get it to post so I added to my last response. Just stick the nursery pot inside a larger one