Growing Peonies

I love peonies, but never have had much luck growing them in California. I think the soil doesn't get cold enough at night or something. So I was thrilled when I ran across this Sunset Magazine article about peonies and tips for growing them. First tip is growing the right peonies...Since Sunset is the magazine about the western part of the U.S., I'm thinking if I find the right peony I will have more success.

Cynthia