Festiva Maxima Peonies
Mountain Top PA
2011

‘Festiva Maxima’ has been a garden favorite for more than 150 years! Large white flowers, handsome foliage, and enchanting fragrance are the hallmarks of this beloved early-season peony.

This world-famous peony was introduced in 1851 and has charmed gardeners ever since. ‘Festiva Maxima’ explodes each summer with an abundance of silky, pure-white petals accented with flecks of crimson. Young flower buds are laced in red and perfect for cutting just as they begin to crack open. After flowering, the deep-cut foliage makes a beautiful backdrop for subsequent blooms. Plant ‘Festiva Maxima’ in display and cutting gardens or anywhere you can enjoy their delightful fragrance. Peonies enjoy spring rains but are also drought tolerant once established. Dependable and long-lived, peonies require little care and experience few pest problems. Peonies thrive in abundant sunshine and rich, well-drained soils. ‘Festiva Maxima’ is a dependable double peony for southern gardens.


The peony or paeony is a flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America. Scientists differ on the number of species that can be distinguished, ranging from 25 to 40, although the current consensus is 33 known species.


The peony is outrageously beautiful in bloom with the fattest, most scrumptious flowers and lush green foliage. Enjoy breathtaking flowers from spring to summer.

Peonies are perennials that come back every year to take your breath away. In fact, the plants may live longer than you do—some have been known to thrive for at least 100 years.

Peonies are said to symbolize a happy life and a happy marriage.

Marco Polo described peony blossoms as “roses as big as cabbages”.

According to the ancient practice of phenology, when peonies blossom, it is safe to plant heat-loving melons, such as cantaloupe.

Peony petals are edible. Add to summer salads or use as garnish for lemonade and ice tea.