Chinese Peony 'Festiva Maxima'

Paeonia lactiflora

'Festiva Maxima' is a fragrant peony that has been in cultivation for over 150 years. It is well loved by experts and novices alike as it produces a wonderful sweet-smelling show with very little effort. The soft white petals splashed with flecks of crimson are stunning in the garden or in cut arrangements.

Peonies are of the genus Paeonia and are native to Asia, western America and some parts of southern Europe. Chinese artists have used peonies in their works for centuries, with the ancient city of Luoyang reported to be the center of cultivation. The name 'Peony' loosely translates as "flower of riches and honor" in China.

Peonies can be planted in the early autumn, as this gives the plant a chance to establish a root system necessary for blooming. Place the tuber in the soil so that the eyes are no deeper than 2 inches below the surface. Peonies that are planted too deeply may fail to bloom. Give them room to grow, as some plants can spread as much as 3 feet. Peonies are long-lived and it is not unusual for them to live over 50 years.

It is also possible to extend your peony enjoyment by cutting peony buds when they have swollen to a size larger than a golf ball. Remove the leaves, wrap the bud in a newspaper cone and then in a cellophane sleeve and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Place in water at room temperature to coax the bloom to open up.