Size	2-3 eye
Height	34"
Spacing	2-4'
Hardiness	Zones 3-8
Exposure	Full sun
Foliage	Glossy, green
Flower	White (double)
Bloomtime	Early

Botanical: Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'

Common: Peony

General Characteristics: This herbaceous (soft-stemmed) peony is a shrubby plant that, each year, will typically grow to 3' tall by mid-spring, bloom, display attractive foliage throughout the summer and early fall, and then die to the ground after frost. An old standard that features very large, very fragrant, white double flowers. Glossy green foliage is divided into oval to lance-shaped leaflets. Each plant will flower for approximately 7-10 days. You can plant other peonies with staggered bloom times to extend the total peony bloom period to approximately 6 weeks during May and June. Remove spent flowers after blooming. Cut foliage to the ground and remove from the garden in fall after frost. Plants are long-lived, do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years.

Pests or Diseases: Peonies are considered to be relatively pest free. Ants on peony buds are common and totally harmless.

Planting Instructions: Easily grown in rich, fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Dig a hole large enough to encompass roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the eyes (tender white swellings protruding from the crown area) are about 1 inch below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly. Add compost as needed before planting. If plants do not flower, possible causes include (1) planted too deep or too shallow, (2) too much shade, (3) late frost killed buds or (4) plant is too young or has been recently moved or disturbed. Large, fully double flowers usually need staking or other support because they tend to arch toward the ground in the best of weather and can be literally driven into the ground by a hard rain.