Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’ (1 bare root)

Winner of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, the Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’ produces delightfully fragrant, pure white double flowers, flecked with crimson. These striking blooms appear above dark green, divided foliage for around seven to ten days between late spring and early summer.

Growing up to 90 cm tall and 60-90 cm wide, these peonies are perfect for filling out borders and beds among city or cottage gardens and when used to line a walk or driveway as an informal hedge. ‘Festiva Maxima’ also make excellent cut flowers with their stunning blooms and long vase life of up to two weeks.

Do not expect peonies to flower within the first year of planting as flower production tends to increase as the plants become more established with the full display expected around three to four years in.

Plant bare root clumps approximately 10 cm deep and at least 50 cm apart with a sprinkling of Rootgrow at the base of the planting hole. Peonies resent transplanting so try to find a permanent position with good air circulation and full sun light, never under trees.

Tubers planted in the ground shouldn’t need watering unless it’s a very dry spring however a balanced slow-release fertiliser should be applied in spring around the base of the plant. We also recommend mulching with well-rotted compost, making sure to avoid burying the crown otherwise it might stop flowering.

Some peonies may need staking while deadheading can help the plant save energy during its early years.

Details

• Bulb count per pack: 1 bare root
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering months: May, June
• Flowering height: 90cm/36″
• Hardiness: Hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe
• When to plant: November, December, January, February, March, April
• Planting depth: 2cm/1″
• Bulb spacing: 50cm/20″
• Soil type: Moist but well drained
• Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
• Sunlight: Full sun