Visit the Peony Garden!

Open Spring/Summer

Free Admission

1610 Washington Hts, Ann Arbor, MI

Peony Season 2024

The herbaceous peonies typically bloom in mass from around Memorial Day until mid-June. While we can't predict the exact date, you can follow their progress below!


April 29, 2024

There is a red herbaceous peony in bed 23 that is trying to beat out the tree peonies for first-to-bloom rights.  A single tree peony with dark pink flowers is just starting to open up as well.  Despite this early activity, most of the garden is still just leafy plants and tight buds.

Fresh peony sprouts
Peony garden with fresh sprouts
Fresh peony sprouts

Photo: Michele Yanga

Fresh peony sprouts

Photo: Michele Yanga


April 25, 2024

Nichols Arboretum was hit with frost last night. A few of the peony plants are looking a little droopy, but the majority of them seem unfazed. Our Garden Coordinator, Doug Conley, shares that this is not a setback and that most will likely bounce back without any intervention. If any do need to be cut back, the impressive root system of the peonies will ensure that they will be sprouting new shoots in no time! We are still on track for a late May mass bloom.

Fresh peony sprouts
Peony garden with fresh sprouts

April 17, 2024

The peony garden is starting to take off, with the herbaceous peony plants sprouting vigorously, ranging in height from around 8 inches to knee-high. These lush plants are thriving and developing well, preparing for their stunning blooms. Meanwhile, the tree peonies, known for their earlier blooming season, have begun to form tight buds. 

Fresh peony sprouts
Peony garden with fresh sprouts
Fresh peony sprouts

March 18, 2024

What do we have here?! Our recent warm weather has encouraged some of our peony plants to start emerging from their slumber!  Peony Watch 2024 has officially begun!

Fresh peony sprouts

Photo: Michele Yanga

Peony garden with fresh sprouts

Photo: Michele Yanga

Fresh peony sprouts

Photo: Michele Yanga