Yet, the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden in Ann Arbor is one of the world’s largest collections of historic peonies. It is a favorite destination for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable, immersive experience. The garden attracts over 75,000 visitors from across Michigan and beyond each season. 

The peony garden showcases nearly 800 plants and more than 10,000 blooms at its peak. It includes 350 heirloom varieties of peonies dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. A riot of color in shades of shell pink, red, and fluffy pompoms of creamy white fills the garden, with each flower representing a part of its rich history. 

“The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden has become a defining feature of this community. It’s a place where science, art, and human connection converge. Every year, the Peony Garden reminds us of the beauty of living traditions and the impact of a space that welcomes so many different experiences,” said Dr. Anthony Kolenic, director of Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. 

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The Story of the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden

Dr. W. E. Upjohn graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in the Class of 1875. He went on to found the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. He was also a nationally noted philanthropist and a passionate peony collector.

Dr. W. E. Upjohn and Nichols Arboretum Director Aubrey Tealdi shared a vision for a peony garden. His generous gift of peonies in 1922 led to the garden’s opening to the public in 1927. He cultivated acres of peonies at his Brook Lodge Gardens in Augusta, Michigan, where the finest specimens became bouquets. As part of his hobby, he recorded his assessments of the peonies in an evaluation booklet, which he privately published and called “Brook Lodge Gardens—Peonies.”

Type of Peonies

You’ll find three types of peonies featured in the garden:

• Herbaceous peonies – Peonies that grow new stems each spring and die back in the fall
• Tree peonies – Woody shrubs that last through the winter
• Itoh peonies – Hybrids of herbaceous and tree peonies

One of the first to bloom is the tree peonies planted along the garden’s slopes to the right of the beds as you enter from the Washington Heights entrance.

Peony Floral Forms

I noticed the wide variety of flower shapes while visiting the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden. The American Peony Society recognizes six forms:

• Single – Features a single row of guard petals surrounded by a mass of fully functional stamens and carpels
• Japanese – The guard petals are like the single form, but have wider stamens
• Anemone – The guard petals are the same, but the center is filled with narrow, short petals
• Semi-Double – Larger petals surround a mix of stamens with narrow petals in the center
• Bomb – Tightly packed petals in the center form a ball of petals, and a ring of guard petals surrounds them
• Double – All the stamens and carpels have become hidden by all the petals, blending into the guard petals

Beds 17 and 20 will illustrate all six forms if you visit during peak season. When I was there, it was still too early to see all six in these two beds, but I could see them throughout the garden. When looking at the flowers, I first noticed the density of the petals, but the stamens and carpels are just as important in distinguishing the various flowers.

The blooms have a relatively short season from late May through early June. The exact timing for peak blooms is weather-dependent. When I went over Memorial Day weekend, the flowers were only about 10% in bloom, primarily because 2025 has been a cooler spring. Check out the regular updates at the Nichols Arboretum website’s “What’s in Bloom” section for a better idea of when the peonies will be in full bloom.

Walking Guides

If you prefer to focus your visit on a theme, rather than trying to take in the entire garden at once, the University of Michigan offers several walking guides, including:

• Fragrant Peonies – People adore peonies for their intoxicating fragrance, which ranges from citrusy and spicy to sweet and rosy. However, not all peonies emit a strong scent; this guide will direct you to those known for their high fragrance ratings. Take time to compare the scents and find your favorite.

• Photographer’s Favorites – This guide will lead you to those Instagram-worthy peonies. Mr. Thim’s pink petals reflect the sunlight and look as if it is glowing. If you follow this guide, take a moment to share your images and tag @MattaeiNichols. Be sure to post your favorite flower on social media.

• Influential Women – Peonies are often named after a special event or in honor of a loved one. An integral part of the flowers at W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden includes those named for influential women. This guide will help you find your favorite flower.

• 100 Years in Bloom – This will help you find the original plants in the garden.

• Dr. William E. Upjohn’s Favorite Peonies – This guide will take you to Upjohn’s favorite peonies, with extracts from his evaluation booklet.

Piper’s Pro Planning: You can borrow laminated copies of the walking guides from the Visitor Center or go online to view or download them on your phone.

The Arb’s trails and outdoor areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center at the front of the Arb offers Peony Garden laminated maps to borrow and sells T-shirts, beverages, and snacks. It also has restrooms. The center operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside those hours, additional portable restrooms can be found near the Washington Heights entrance.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Leashed dogs are welcome at the Arb.

Once in Ann Arbor, you can take one of the free weekend shuttles available during peak season or drive and park. Here’s some planning information for both options.

Free Weekend Shuttle

To make visiting easier during the 2025 peony season, a free weekend shuttle will operate every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:

• May 24 – 25
• May 31 – June 1
• June 7 – 8

The shuttle picks up at Mitchell Field, 1900 Fuller Road, in Ann Arbor and drops off at Nichols Arboretum. This provides a stress-free way to enjoy the garden without the hassle of parking. You’ll find a bench at the Washington Heights entrance to make your wait for the shuttle easier.

If You’re Driving

The garden is closest to the Washington Heights entrance, 1610 Washington Heights. Street parking in this area is limited, so I recommend using the free weekend shuttle for a more relaxed visit. That way, you won’t be stressed over parking.

Near the Washington Heights entrance, U of M Lots M28 and M29 offer free parking after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. You’ll also find street meters for parking, but they are scarce. This map will guide you to the available parking.

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