Product Description
Paeonia 'Festiva Maxima' (10) 3 to 5 Eye Plants
Common Name: Garden Peony
Noticeably fragrant, white blooms with red drizzled throughout the center is the highlight of this reliable bloomer. The flowers have a massive, loose form. This popular double is one of the most widely available peonies in cultivation today. It blooms in late spring.
Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.
Height: 34.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Midsummer
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting Salt Tolerant
'Festiva Maxima' is a classic double-flowered peony that has been a garden favorite for over 150 years. It is prized for its large, fragrant, white flowers with a touch of crimson and its reliable performance. Here is a closer look at this beloved peony cultivar:
Appearance:
- Large White Flowers with Crimson Flecks: 'Festiva Maxima' produces large, double flowers that are primarily white with occasional flecks of crimson on the inner petals. The flowers are about 6-7 inches wide and have a strong, sweet fragrance.
- Red-Laced Buds: The flower buds are also quite attractive, with a delicate red lacing that adds interest before they open.
- Deep Green Foliage: The foliage is a deep green color and provides an attractive backdrop for the flowers. It remains handsome throughout the growing season and often takes on a yellow tinge in the fall.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer climates.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Low Maintenance: 'Festiva Maxima' is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers can help prolong the bloom time and keep the plant looking tidy.
- Staking: The stems may need support when the flowers are in full bloom, especially after rain, as the large blooms can become heavy.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds a classic touch of elegance and fragrance to borders and beds.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive flowers and attractive foliage make it an excellent specimen plant.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers are prized for use in cut flower arrangements.
Additional Information:
- Early Bloomer: 'Festiva Maxima' is an early-blooming peony, typically flowering in early to mid-spring.
- Award Winner: It is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Fragrant: The flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance that fills the garden.
- Reliable: It's a reliable and vigorous grower, producing abundant blossoms year after year.
If you are looking for a classic and fragrant peony with large white flowers and a touch of crimson, Paeonia 'Festiva Maxima' is an excellent choice. It is a beautiful and reliable addition to any garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
