Honchey, put them into a greenhouse 5 gal pot if you have one... or a pot about that size that will start them there, then move the pot and plant to NC. That will let it grown until you can pot it in NC Always leave it within a inch or two from the top, root side down. If you leave it in the plastic, you risk drying the root out so it will not grow. Just my two cent worth of advice. Love peonies...they were among the first things I planted here. Unfortunately, after they bloom, its just the greenery for the rest of the summer. I end up trimming them down in late July.
I am trying to get late summer plantings done to replace early bloomers in my perennial beds. I hope the Coral bells will bloom this summer. Love their leaf color. Meanwhile, the annuals of Marigolds and Cockscomb will serve to add color.