Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A herbaceous perennial that produces large, fragrant, white flowers with red flecks in late spring. Known for its outstanding beauty and fragrance, this cultivar is often considered a classic garden favorite.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Plant dormant peony roots in early spring or fall, 2-3 inches deep.
- Position the crown so that the eyes are just below the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering, at least 6 hours daily.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Support heavy blooms with stakes if needed
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb the roots once established
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Never plant too shallow or too deep
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony questions
What zones can Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony grow in?
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony deer resistant?
Yes — Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony bloom?
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony need full sun?
Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Paeonia to compare
Sarah Bernhardt Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt'
Tree Peony 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Paeonia x suffruticosa 'Duchesse de Lorraine'
Tibetan Tree Peony
Paeonia deltoidea
Daydream Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Daydream'
Rozella Peony
Paeonia officinalis 'Rozella'
Philomele Peony
Paeonia lactiflora 'Philomele'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Festiva Maxima Peony Chinese Peony with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
