Peony 'Festiva Maxima'

Paeonia 'Festiva Maxima' forms an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with dark green, divided foliage. Its strongly fragrant, fully double white flowers are marked with variable crimson flecking and make a striking seasonal focal point. ## In the Garden Allow room for a mature clump roughly 0.5–1 m tall and wide. The large blooms and divided leaves suit a mixed border or a dedicated peony planting, where the plant can remain undisturbed for many years. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun or partial shade and fertile soil that stays moist while draining freely. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils for this selection. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/98117/paeonia-lactiflora-festiva-maxima/details) describes the flower form, fragrance, position, and mature size. ## Maintenance Water during prolonged dry spells while the clump establishes, and avoid waterlogged ground. Peonies are long-lived perennials; choose their permanent position carefully and let the foliage finish its seasonal growth before removing it.