Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
(Peony 'Festiva Maxima')
Family - Paeoniaceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H6
Height - up to 90cm
Width - up to 80cm
Location - The Walled Garden
Description: A herbaceous Perennial with a clump-forming, upright habit. Pinnate leaves with oval to lanceolate leaflets emerge deep red in spring before turning to glossy mid to dark green with age. Large double bowl-shaped flowers open pale blush pink and quickly turn white. Each Bloom is flecked with deep red towards the centres. The flowers are held singly on upright stems and are produced from early through midsummer. The Blooms are heavily scented and excellent for use as cut flowers.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Intensely fragrant, large double bowl-shaped flowers open pale pink and quickly turn white. Each bloom is flecked with deep red towards the centre. The flowers are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in June and July.
Flower colour: White, red
Flower shape: Double bowl-shaped flowers held singly
Flowering time: June, July
Foliage:
Glossy mid to dark green pinnate leaves have oval to lanceolate leaflets. The foliage emerges deep red in spring before turning to green with age. The leaves are oppositely arranged on the upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with oval to lanceolate leaflets
Poison Information:
This plant may cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Division of tubers.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.