Question
I planted a peony tuber last fall but it has never emerged out of the ground. What do you think could be wrong please and is there anything I can do to rectify it?

Answer
Hi Patty,
Thanx for your question.  It sounds to me like the rhizome rotted and died.  Peonies do not do well in the Deep South.  Peonies need a cold winter.  Growth begins to die back in late summer and is all but gone by winter.  The rhizome has stored energy from the sun during the summer and requires a cold, resting period in order to rejuvenite and provide for next year's growth and bloom.  Some people suggest planting the rhizome in a shallow manner (just an inch or two from the top of the soil.).  

For better results try these varieties:

慉merica?large fiery-red flowers with golden center tuft.
態laze?early single-petaled red with a sunny yellow center.
態ride抯 Dream?creamy white with soft yellow center
慍oral Charm?deep coral buds that soften to coral-peach when open
慒estiva Maxima?large, early, white double flowers with crimson flecks.
慘ansas?large, early double flowers of watermelon red
慚iss America?snow white petals that open to a full early semi-double flower
慞aula Fay?glowing pink, early semi-double with waxy, textured petals.

To grow peonies in zones 8B and warmer is going to be next to be very difficult because the winters are simply too warm.  Zone 8 is about the limit for growing peonies.  As I said above, look for cultivars that will grow in warmer climates.

I hope this helps.
Tom