question on peonies

i have a garden bed that is very close to a tree and therefore the tree roots growth through the bed and plants root systems. i have this problem elsewhere and plants have failed not getting enough water.
i would like to put permanent plantings here, such as peonies and perhaps a few other bulbs, or perennials in front for a cutting garden.
does anyone know if peonies will hold up to the attack of roots, over time? what other sun/part sun plants could you suggest? i don't know much about the workings of tap rooted plants, but would these be a better idea?
looking forward to help here.
debi & franklin (my little gardening pekingese)

I have lots of planting under large shade trees mostly hosta I just have to water more often with tree sucking up most. I have quite a few peonies and have found they either love were they are or do nothing so I move until happy. I have found they like there feet in the shade but there heads in the sun.

Debi,
I would think that plants that are drough tolerant would be you best bet. My similar area is in shade and it has been almost impossible to keep plants there that require much water. I have gone through a lot of plants trying but now I've learned to go with plants that thrive there. The sun & roots combo would be even tougher than shade & roots.

Debi - try some bulbs. They frequently WANT the dryer conditions that the tree roots allow. Of course the trade off is a shorter bloom time.

hi folks,
thanks for your input. i have put bulbs in these areas and unfortunately after a time, they no longer come up through the roots, they become so compact. and they will be anywhere from 1-6" thick. i
i've tried all sorts of things over there. ths year i tilled it and the sib iris plants and a plant i call, the painted leaves plant, a small bush really with red veins in the leaves, grew beautifully. i also planted insome more bulbs, crocosmia, i'm curious to see how they fair. ugh!!!!!!!!!! your right sun and roots are much worse than shade and roots and they are tough.
although i'm sure that if i planted something invasive in there it would grow like crazy. :-) LOL
thanks all,
debi & franklin

Debi, Have you tried lamb's ear, sedum, yucca, echinacea, or perovskia?