The World’s Most Prestigious Peony Gardens: A Journey Through Blooming Splendor

Few flowers evoke the same sense of romance, opulence, and timeless beauty as the peony. Often called the “king of flowers,” peonies have captivated the hearts of gardeners, artists, and flower enthusiasts for centuries. With their lush, layered petals and intoxicating fragrance, they are more than just flowers—they are a symbol of prosperity, honor, and love in many cultures. Around the world, certain gardens have elevated the cultivation of peonies into an art form, drawing visitors not just to witness blooms but to immerse themselves in the history, tradition, and aesthetic mastery these gardens embody. Here is an in-depth Ellermann journey through some of the most prestigious peony gardens across the globe.

Luoyang National Peony Garden, China

Nestled in the ancient city of Luoyang, the Luoyang National Peony Garden is often regarded as the heart of peony culture in China. The city itself is steeped in history, with imperial palaces and temples that date back thousands of years, and the garden carries this sense of heritage in every petal and pathway. Home to over 600 varieties of peonies, including some rare black and green cultivars, the garden is an astonishing display of horticultural mastery.

Every spring, from mid-April to early May, the Luoyang Peony Festival transforms the city into a living tapestry of color and fragrance. Visitors can stroll through meticulously arranged beds where peonies in shades of blush, crimson, and ivory bloom in harmonious patterns. Traditional Chinese pavilions and winding stone pathways enhance the garden’s atmosphere, inviting contemplative walks and endless opportunities for photography. Beyond the visual spectacle, the garden provides educational insight into peony cultivation, historical symbolism, and the delicate art of hybridization.

Caozhou Peony Gardens, Heze, China

While Luoyang claims the title of the “Peony Capital of China,” Heze proudly carries the legacy of cultivation in the northern region of Shandong Province. The Caozhou Peony Gardens are renowned for their staggering diversity, featuring over 400 varieties of tree peonies and more than 200 herbaceous species. The gardens are a living repository of botanical heritage, preserving both historical varieties and contemporary hybrids.

Each year, the Heze International Peony Fair, held from late April, draws horticulturists, collectors, and tourists from across the globe. Visitors are treated to exhibitions of rare peony varieties, demonstrations on planting and pruning, and an immersive experience of cultural performances celebrating the flower. Walking through the expansive grounds, one senses the deep cultural reverence for the peony in Chinese art, poetry, and tradition.

W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden, Ann Arbor, USA

Crossing over to North America, the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden within the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a distinctly different experience. While Chinese gardens focus heavily on historical and cultural aesthetics, the Upjohn Garden celebrates the history of horticulture in the United States. Housing the largest collection of pre-1950 herbaceous peonies in North America, the garden contains nearly 800 individual peonies and thousands of flowers at peak bloom.

Visitors during late spring can walk along broad paths lined with blooms in every imaginable shade of pink, red, and white. Each variety is carefully labeled, providing both educational and aesthetic enrichment. The Upjohn Garden is not just about the flowers themselves; it is a living museum preserving the legacy of peony breeding in America, offering a fascinating glimpse into how gardeners have selected and propagated these flowers for beauty and resilience over generations.

Kita-no-Maru Garden, Hokkaido, Japan

In northern Japan, the Kita-no-Maru Garden offers a serene, almost meditative experience of peonies. The garden’s unique charm lies in its natural integration with the surrounding Hokkaido landscape. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the garden features both herbaceous and tree peonies, planted in a manner that mirrors the fluidity of Japanese landscape painting.

Late May to early June marks the peak bloom season here, when visitors can wander quiet pathways lined with delicate petals while listening to the gentle sounds of wind through nearby trees. The understated elegance of Kita-no-Maru Garden reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in simplicity and impermanence. For those seeking tranquility combined with floral opulence, this garden is unparalleled.

Schau- und Sichtungsgarten Hermannshof, Weinheim, Germany

Europe’s contribution to peony cultivation is exemplified in the Hermannshof Gardens in Weinheim, Germany. This privately owned garden combines horticultural research with artistic planting design, creating a space that is both beautiful and scientifically valuable. Established as a show and trial garden, Hermannshof cultivates approximately 2,500 taxa, including a distinguished peony collection introduced in 1998.

Visitors can explore naturalistic planting schemes that showcase the peonies in combination with perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, illustrating the possibilities of integrating these flowers into diverse landscape designs. The garden’s European approach emphasizes the harmony of plant communities and the subtle interplay of color, texture, and seasonal transition.

Sukagawa Peony Garden, Fukushima, Japan

Established in 1766, the Sukagawa Peony Garden in Fukushima is both a botanical treasure and a historical landmark. Spanning ten hectares, it contains around 7,000 plants representing 290 species and cultivars. Declared a nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty, Sukagawa offers a rare combination of horticultural excellence and cultural significance.

Visitors are transported through centuries of tradition as they navigate winding paths and expansive flower beds. Seasonal festivals and guided tours deepen appreciation for the garden’s history, while the sheer abundance of blooms creates a sensory experience that is both overwhelming and enchanting. The garden embodies Japan’s meticulous attention to detail, balancing scientific cultivation with aesthetic sophistication.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York, USA

Back in the United States, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a peony experience that blends urban accessibility with horticultural excellence. Home to over 100 varieties of peonies, the garden is celebrated for its diversity and well-maintained displays. Blooming from late April through early June, the peonies are carefully arranged to maximize visual impact while providing an intimate, immersive experience for visitors.

Beyond aesthetics, the garden offers workshops and guided tours that explore peony history, symbolism, and cultivation techniques. For city dwellers and tourists alike, Brooklyn Botanic Garden demonstrates that peonies can thrive beautifully even in an urban environment, serving as both an oasis and a botanical classroom.

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands

Although primarily famous for its tulips, the iconic Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands also feature splendid peony displays. Keukenhof is a celebration of spring in all its glory, and the inclusion of peonies adds depth and elegance to the already spectacular floral exhibits. Visitors can stroll through themed garden sections where peonies complement tulips, daffodils, and other springtime blooms.

The gardens open from mid-March to mid-May, allowing visitors to experience the peonies in harmony with other seasonal flowers. The Dutch approach emphasizes large-scale impact, dramatic color contrasts, and the innovative integration of flowers into landscape artistry, offering a different but equally compelling peony experience.

Adelman Peony Gardens, Oregon, USA

In the Pacific Northwest, Adelman Peony Gardens stands out as a premier destination for peony enthusiasts. Known as the largest peony garden in the region, it is a showcase of variety, color, and horticultural expertise. Each year, the garden hosts a Peony Festival, inviting visitors to admire blooms while learning about cultivation, hybridization, and the seasonal care required to maintain such a spectacular display.

The combination of Oregon’s favorable climate and the garden’s careful planning results in a late spring spectacle, with robust flowers in vibrant shades that seem almost surreal. It is a must-visit for both casual admirers and dedicated horticulturists looking for inspiration.

Château de Brantes, Sorgues, France

Finally, the Château de Brantes in southern France offers a fusion of historical architecture and contemporary garden design. The 18th-century manor is surrounded by gardens inspired by Tuscan landscapes, where peonies provide bursts of color and elegance. Recognized as one of France’s Remarkable Gardens, Château de Brantes blends tradition and modernity, creating a refined setting that celebrates both architectural and botanical artistry.

Walking through its grounds, visitors encounter carefully planted beds, sculptural elements, and pathways that encourage leisurely exploration. The peonies are not merely decorative; they are integrated into a broader narrative of the garden’s design, reflecting the French emphasis on balance, proportion, and harmony.

Tips for Visiting Peony Gardens

Timing is crucial. Peonies bloom in late spring, generally from April to June, but exact dates vary by location and climate. Check garden-specific schedules to ensure you visit during peak bloom.

Photography and etiquette matter. Respect signage and avoid stepping into flower beds. Gardens are cultivated with great care, and a mindful approach ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty.

Many gardens host festivals, workshops, and cultural events, enhancing the visitor experience. Participating in these can deepen understanding of the flowers’ significance and offer insight into traditional practices.

Finally, appreciate the cultural context. Peonies often symbolize wealth, honor, and romance, particularly in Chinese and Japanese culture. Understanding these layers of meaning enriches the experience, allowing you to see each garden as a living intersection of nature, art, and history.

From the imperial gardens of China to serene Japanese landscapes, from meticulously designed European collections to urban American oases, peony gardens offer a sensory and cultural journey unlike any other. They are spaces where beauty, history, and horticultural mastery converge, inviting visitors to pause, wander, and marvel at one of nature’s most extraordinary flowers.