Granted, tubers are less visually stimulating than full-blown blooming plants that can be bought in the spring, but, personally, I prefer planting dull, chubby peonies-to-be in the fall. This is because spring-purchased plants can struggle during their first year in the garden if summertime weather dials up the heat and turns off the rain. Planted this month, tubers will spend the fall and winter developing strong root systems capable of sustaining young peonies through their initial growing season and beyond.

Peonies (deer resistant, by the way) are sun lovers, so site them accordingly. Dig a hole for each tuber at least 18 inches wide and deep, mixing in generous amounts of compost or soil conditioner for proper drainage. The tubers’ tops should be no more than an inch below ground.

So which pretty peonies should you pick? In the South, it is better to go with selections that need less “chill hours” — professional growers’ speak for extended stretches of low winter temperatures.

September is a good time to start planting peony tubers.

If you are into tried-and-true Southern oldies, “Sarah Bernhardt” (introduced in 1906) with its pleasingly pink, double flowers; “Festiva Maxima” (1851), a perfumed pleasure with double-white blossoms accented by raspberry sprinkles in the centers; and the fragrant, blushing pink “Nymphe” (1913) are dependable, lovely blasts from the past.

There are many newer cultivars available that also require less chill hours, so they, too, are well suited for Carolina Country gardens. “Bartzella,” a head-turner with large, fluffy, lemon-yellow blossoms; “Do Tell” with light pink petals dancing around a deep rose, puffball center; and “Garden Lace,” another delicate pink pleasure, are popular picks. Personally, red turns my head, and “Scarlett O’Hara,” flaunting ruby petals surrounding golden centers, was my belle until “Trafford W. Bigger” stole me away with its simmering, crimson-centric blooms.

Peony tubers shouldn’t be hard to find at local nurseries now, but if you want to go on an e-hunt, in-state mail order nurseries such as Eden Brothers, Terra Ceia Farms, and Plant Delights Nursery are good places to start.