Both the herbaceous peony, Paeonia lactiflora, and the tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa, are native to parts of Asia, including China, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. While the herbaceous peony is not as highly esteemed in China as the tree peony, they are both at the center of that country’s culture and art. Festivals are held each year to celebrate the blooming of these spectacular flowers.

A small collection of tree peonies lives on Laurel Ridge, the hillside adjacent to the peony garden. In the upcoming years, we hope to expand this collection to include a wide range of popular Chinese tree peonies of cultural and historical significance. This will provide context and continuity between the ridge planting and the 27 beds of herbaceous peonies in the peony garden proper. Having the two collections side by side will demonstrate the differences in Eastern and Western peony cultivation, form, and style while bringing the cultures together through this beautiful flower.

We look forward to furthering our connections with China through the peony garden and the new Confucius Institute on campus. By enlisting the help of Chinese peony experts, we hope to create close ties to China and acquire in-depth information about peonies and their role in Chinese culture. Together with the University of Michigan, our goal is to create a collection that will educate the public about the origins and uses of peonies and their importance in diverse cultures.

Click here to learn more about the Confucius Institute at the University of Michigan.