Peony Festiva Maxima

Peony ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a spectacular and historic variety celebrated for its large, double white blooms adorned with striking crimson flecks at the centre. This variety has been gracing gardens since the 19th century and remains a favourite for its dramatic appearance and delightful fragrance. Each flower, reaching up to 20 cm across, blooms in late spring to early summer, making ‘Festiva Maxima’ an ideal choice for borders, cutting gardens, or as a focal point in any planting scheme.

The strong, upright stems of this herbaceous peony ensure excellent support for the impressive blooms, even in wet weather. Its lush, deep green foliage remains vibrant throughout the growing season, providing a beautiful backdrop to the showy flowers. Fully hardy and low-maintenance, ‘Festiva Maxima’ thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and sunny to partially shaded spots, rewarding gardeners with years of reliable performance and enduring beauty.

We offer the highest quality bare root peony roots with 3–5 eyes, ensuring robust growth and abundant flowering. For the best results, plant in spring with the crown positioned 2.5–5 cm below the soil surface, and water regularly during the growing season. With proper care, ‘Festiva Maxima’ will become a standout feature in your garden for years to come.

Newly planted peonies seldom make a first-class show in their first season, instead reaching the top of their form in their second or third year.

Learn more about how to grow peonies 

• Type of Plant: Spring-planted perennial (herbaceous peony)
  
• Flower Colour: Pure white with crimson flecks
  
• Foliage Colour: Deep green, glossy leaves
  
• Height: Approximately 90–100 cm
  
• Spread: Around 75–100 cm
  
• Blooming Period: Late spring to early summer
  
• Fragrance: Sweetly fragrant
  
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
  
• Key Features: Large, dramatic blooms with crimson accents; reliable and long-lasting; excellent as a cut flower
  
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun or partial shade
  
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
  
• Watering Needs: Regular watering during growth; avoid waterlogging
  
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; cut back stems in autumn
  
• Wildlife Attraction: Pollinator-friendly
  
• Supplied As: Bare root with 3–5 eyes
  
• Ideal For: Borders, cutting gardens, and mixed beds
  
• Planting Depth: Ensure crown is 2.5–5 cm below the soil surface
  
• Planting Time: Spring for blooms the following season
  
• Dispatch: Early spring (March/April)
  
• We Ship To: All regions of the UK
  
• We Ship From: London