Where else can one see more than 230 different kinds of peonies in bloom? This is a spectacular historic collection - and one of the largest in North America - from the early 20th century. It presents the best ornamental peonies of its era. The original collector, Dr. Upjohn, founder of the well-known pharmaceutical company, may have been interested not only in their beauty, but also their use in Asian medical traditions.
The Peony garden typically blooms between mid-May and mid-June. The best time for viewing the stunningly beautiful and fragrant display is during early to mid-June, depending on the weather. The garden has 27 beds, each full square originally holding 30 plants. The plants were arranged so that the garden would bloom progressively, with the western edge (closest to the Washington Heights entrance) peaking first. Over time, that has changed through relocation, loss, and division of the plants. However, many of the original plants are thriving exactly where they were planted many decades ago.
Below are bed maps containing photos, names, and locations for each peony bed.
What’s Happening in the Peony Garden?
Adrienne O’Brien, Peony Collection Manager | Fall 2008
There is a lot happening behind the scenes and in the garden itself. First, a bit about planning matters. We are working on developing a plan for the future of the peony garden, including restoration efforts, additions to the garden and fundraising. We will include experts in the field on our advisory board and so far, interest is very high. Look for more information on this project in a future article.
Now, I’d like to tell you what we have accomplished this season. Since mid-September up until late October, 8 volunteers and I spent 140 hours digging and replanting all of the plants (almost 90 plants!) in beds 24, 25, 26 at the far end of the garden. This is a time-consuming task, since each plant needs to be carefully labeled, divided, cleaned, treated with a fungicide and then replanted
The peony dividing project is long term. In 2007, volunteers and I worked to figure out what we were up against and to get a system in place. You may have seen the results this Spring when you visited the garden. You also might have been unimpressed, but as you know, it takes 3-5 years for peonies to recover from such drastic treatment. This year and in future years, I am hoping to divide 3 - 5 beds each fall, gradually moving from east to west. You are probably thinking “Why in the world is this getting done, especially when it takes so long for the plants to recover?” The answer is that the peonies have not been systematically divided in recent memory. Many of the plants are very overcrowded – the stems are thin and weak and decreased air circulation makes them more susceptible to the fungal disease, Botrytis, causing stem rot in the spring, black spots on the leaves and blackened flower buds. We feel that digging, dividing and giving the plants room to grow will make this valuable collection healthier and able to resist Botrytis.
The big question is “When will there be another peony sale?” I don’t have an answer for that. Because there is a problem with Botrytis in the garden, I am reluctant to have these plants distributed. Also, by the time I cut away any diseased or misshapen roots, there aren’t as many roots left as one might think. We choose the best 6 to replant in the bed, then the extras are planted in a nursery area at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. In the future, we hope to work with other botanical gardens and nurseries to establish backup collections and to increase the supply of the rarer cultivars, so they can be reintroduced to the market.
If you have any questions, feel free to write me at amobrien@umich.edu.
The Peony Garden is at the Nichols Arboretum site.
The peony garden was the result of a gift from the Dr. William E. Upjohn Family in 1923. The garden, designed by Director Aubrey Tealdi, opened to the public in 1927. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum gardens need private support and provide donors with many giving opportunities and recognition. For more details, please contact the Development Office at 1-734-615-9475.
back to displays & natural areas
