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Description
Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima is a type of herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Paeoniaceae. It is also commonly known as the Festiva Maxima Peony. This plant is native to China and has been cultivated around the world for centuries for its beautiful flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Appearance
The Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 8 inches long. The flowers are large and showy, with white petals that have crimson flecks at the base. The center of the flower is filled with yellow stamens and a cluster of green carpels. The flowers can grow up to 8 inches in diameter and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
The Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before it starts to bloom.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Botrytis Blight: A fungal disease that causes gray mold on the flowers and leaves. Remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Verticillium Wilt: A fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove infected plant parts and avoid planting in infected soil.
- Japanese Beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and flowers, causing damage. Handpick them or use a pesticide.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Habitat
The Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant is native to China and is commonly cultivated in gardens around the world. It prefers cool climates and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize the Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring before it starts to bloom.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Q: What pests and diseases are common in the Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima plant?
A: The plant is susceptible to Botrytis Blight, Verticillium Wilt, Japanese Beetles, and Aphids.
Q: What is the appearance of the Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima flower?
A: The flower has white petals with crimson flecks at the base, yellow stamens, and a cluster of green carpels in the center. It can grow up to 8 inches in diameter.
Related Plants
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Duchesse de Nemours’
- Paeonia Lactiflora ‘Bowl of Beauty’
References
- “Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=p510.
- “Paeonia Lactiflora Festiva Maxima.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/128869/Paeonia-lactiflora-Festiva-Maxima/Details.
- “Peony.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/peonies.
