White double peony Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena' (d)

Water

For a Peony, such as the Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena', watering should be thorough, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water these plants once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During the growing season, if the weather is particularly dry, you might need to water twice a week. However, once the plant is established, Peonies are somewhat drought tolerant and will require less frequent watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the soil level.

Light

Peonies, including the Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena', thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for your Peony would be an area that receives morning light and is protected from the intense afternoon heat. However, they can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.

Temperature

Peonies such as the Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena' prefer temperate climates and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for optimal growth, the ideal temperature range for Peonies is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.

Pruning

Peonies, including Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena', should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant. Deadheading after blooms fade encourages healthy growth and can prevent disease. In the fall, after the leaves have died back, cut the stems down to within a few inches of the ground. Pruning is typically done annually to prepare the plant for winter and to ensure vigorous growth in the spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Peonies prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix consists of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adding organic compost to the mix can provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.

Repotting

Peonies, including the 'Festiva Maxima' variety, are not typically grown in containers and therefore do not require repotting. They are perennial plants that are best planted directly in the garden where they can live for decades without the need for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Peonies like 'Festiva Maxima' tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations. Average outdoor ambient humidity is generally sufficient for their growth and flowering.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Peonies, like 'Festiva Maxima,' rarely thrive indoors; they need cold to bloom.

• Outdoor

  Plant 'Festiva Maxima' in full sun, fertile soil; mulch and water well.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena', commonly known as the Double White Peony, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which can take several months due to dormancy and may require cold stratification to simulate winter conditions. Upon germination, seedlings develop a small set of true leaves and a tuberous root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it grows larger foliage and an increasingly robust root system each year. The next stage is the flowering phase, occurring in late spring to early summer, where the plant produces large, fragrant double-form white blossoms that attract pollinators. After blooming, the peony enters a period of seed development if pollination has occurred, leading to seed dispersal in late summer to autumn. Finally, the plant enters dormancy in the winter, with the above-ground foliage dying back, while the root system remains alive underground to regenerate the plant the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Paeonia × festiva 'Alba Plena', commonly known as Peony, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the fall after the plants have gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully lift the peony clump from the ground with a garden fork, being cautious not to damage the roots. Gently shake or wash off the soil so you can see the individual tubers clearly. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections, making sure each section has at least three to five eyes, which are the growth points where new shoots will emerge. Replant each section promptly, positioning the eyes no more than 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) deep in the soil to encourage successful sprouting in the spring. This method allows the newly planted divisions to establish their root systems before the onset of winter, ensuring a stronger start for the next growing season.