Peony ‘Festiva Maxima’

Product Details

Large, double, dizzyingly fragrant, white blooms that show occasional splashes of crimson on the inner petals have made Peony ‘Festiva Maxima’ a favorite for generations. The mounding, dark green foliage provides an elegant backdrop and remains handsome throughout the growing season. The plants are vigorous and long-lived, with mature specimens producing abundant blossoms for the garden and vases indoors (where the perfume will fill a room). The best double Peony for southern gardens, ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Introduced in 1851. Early.

Peonies produce their extravagant display in early June every year, regardless of weather, because they are among the most durable and longest-lived plants. They have no natural enemies, no exacting cultural requirements beyond full sun and neutral to slightly sweet soil, and they shrug off cold. After bloom is complete, you are left with a handsome mound of glossy, deep green foliage that will happily anchor the next sequence of bloom in the neighborhood. Finally, Peonies make superior cut flowers, lasting more than a week if cut in full bud.

We ship large roots with 3–5 eyes that are fresh from the growing fields. While a newly planted Peony seldom makes a first-class show in its first season, these vigorous plants will reach the top of their form in their second or third year. Southern gardeners should provide afternoon shade.