Festiva Maxima
Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
Double White Festiva Maxima Peony, Ready to Plant
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- Double white blooms with crimson-red flecks and strong fragrance
- Excellent cutting flower with large, full blooms
- Deer-resistant, long-lived perennial that improves with age
About this plant
Festiva Maxima is a classic herbaceous peony prized for its large, fragrant double white blooms streaked with crimson-red flecks on the inner petals. It excels in cutting gardens, perennial borders, and cottage gardens, with a storied history in cemetery and heirloom plantings across North America. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Your Festiva Maxima arrives in a nursery container, fully rooted and ready to plant. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly to establish consistent moisture around the roots during the growing season, particularly during spring bud formation. Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and moderate temperature.
Festiva Maxima at a glance
| Botanical name | Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | herbaceous perennial |
| USDA zones | 3-8 |
| Mature height | 30-36 in (some sources cite up to 40 in in ideal conditions) |
| Mature width | 24-36 in |
| Sun | full sun; tolerates light/part shade but flowers less prolifically |
| Water | moderate; average, consistent moisture, especially during bud formation in spring |
| Bloom time | early to midseason (typically late April to late May, varies by zone/region) |
| Bloom color | double white with crimson-red flecks streaking the inner petals |
| Growth rate | moderate; a new division typically reaches full bloom size in 2-3 years, then spreads slowly outward year over year |
| Deer resistance | good/generally resistant |
| Best planting time | fall is best for bare-root divisions (allows root establishment before winter); container-grown plants can go in spring |
Container sizes explained
| Quart / QT | A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several. |
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Questions before you buy
Why choose the 4 Quart size?
The 4 Quart container provides an established root system ready to settle into its permanent location. This size balances plant maturity with practicality, typically reaching full flowering potential within 2-3 years.
When is the best time to plant my Festiva Maxima?
Spring and fall are ideal planting times, when soil is moist and temperatures are moderate. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold snaps. Peonies establish best with consistent soil moisture during the growing season.
How large will my Festiva Maxima grow?
Mature plants reach 30-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. Allow 3-4 feet between plants for air circulation. New plantings typically reach full bloom size in 2-3 years, then spread slowly outward.
How much sun does Festiva Maxima need?
Plant in full sun for the most abundant blooms. While it tolerates light or part shade, flowering will be less prolific in shadier spots. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Where can I grow Festiva Maxima?
Festiva Maxima is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. It thrives in regions with cold winters to meet chilling requirements and moderate summers. Verify your zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
What's the best way to care for my peony in its first year?
Water consistently to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry spells and spring when buds form. Avoid waterlogging. Support flower stems if they become heavy. Peonies prefer rich soil at planting; hold off on fertilizer. Remove spent flowers to direct energy back to root development.