They don't like being planted too deeply, but like their rhyzomes or bulbs or whatever they are called, almost on the surface of the soil. They also grow in most situations, either sun or dappled shade. Tree peonies on the other hand like to be planted deeper.

As Cammomile says, herbaceous paeonies don't like being planted too deeply. When the foliage dies off in the autumn, the resting bud should be ABOVE the soil. If it isn't, immediately dig it up and replant at the correct level (don't leave it until the spring - that will be too late).
Give it a heavy feed in the spring, and it should flower for you

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:-)