One of the most spectacular sights in Ann Arbor is also one of its most ephemeral. Every spring, the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum bursts into spectacular bloom, captivating residents for a few brief weeks in late May to early June. One of the world’s premiere collections, the garden holds nearly 800 peonies with more than 10,000 flowers at peak bloom. To help plan your visit to the garden this spring, we asked curator and American Peony Society board member Dr. David C. Michener to share a bouquet of his favorites — picked both for their beauty and their stories.
1. Silvia Saunders
“One of my favorites — each stem can bloom as a complete bouquet, rather than the top flower long before the others, as with most peonies,” Michener says. “This is also one of the rarest peonies in the garden, as it was a commercial failure, being so far ahead of its time.”
Where to Find It: Bed 13 2 E&F
2. Duchesse de Nemours
“Classic form and fragrance. She may be a ‘duchess,’ but for standard-setting, she has been a queen since 1856. Come by mid-morning for the best fragrance.”
Where to Find It: Bed 1 1 E&F
3. Jubilee
“At first glance, I thought this selection was a bit coarse. Fortunately, friends can help one reconsider first impressions. It is explosively enormous — thus the name. This is the defining peony from Mrs. Pleas of Indiana, America’s doyenne of peony breeding for decades. This was introduced in 1908. It was one of Dr. W.E. Upjohn’s favorites.”
Where to Find It: Bed 6 1 A&B
4. Gay Paree
“A spectacular flower with the pink outer petals presenting a luscious inner cloud of paler colors. First introduced in 1933, more recent breeders have created many near look-alikes. In my opinion, this, ‘the original,’ is often superior to supposed ‘improvements.’”
Where to Find It: Bed 22 2 A&B
5. Red Charm
“This is a show-stopper. The center keeps expanding for days, becoming ever-more impressive for the saturated red color and visual complexity. Then it shatters dramatically. Since the flower is dynamic, it is infrequently seen as a cut flower for sale. So just grow it yourself.”
Where to Find It: Bed 1 4 C&D
mbgna.umich.edu/peony-garden