Iris Cohen wrote:

I received 20 dormant peony cuttings. I'm in zone 5 and the ground is still
frozen/muddy.

Oh, dear. The prope time to plant peonies is September. Keep them in a garage
so they will stay dormant until your soil is workable. Then heel them in in a
growin bed as soon as possible. Plant them properly in the fall. Or ask your
extension agent about the best practice in your area.

The "need" to wait to plant peonies in the fall is an old wive's tale. There is
absolutely no reason why they can't be planted (divided, even transplanted) in
spring, when they are most commonly available. The only concern is that they not
be planted too deeply and are kept well watered during the summer. It often takes
time for them to mature enough to develop blossoms, but I have had success with
first year peonies blooming. I have a fernleaf coming into bud now that was
planted last season - bloomed last year, too.

pam - gardengal