Peony Collection
Public Gardens
Bask in the beauty of Snug Harbor’s Chinese Tree Peonies
Each spring, Snug Harbor bursts into color as hundreds of Chinese tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) unfurl their spectacular blooms. First planted in 2000 and thoughtfully expanded in 2016, this breathtaking collection includes a secondary display inside the Chinese Scholar’s Garden—creating two unforgettable places to enjoy one of China’s most treasured plants.
Cultivated for thousands of years, Chinese tree peonies were originally prized for their medicinal uses and later celebrated for their extraordinary beauty. Today, they remain deeply revered in Chinese culture as symbols of honor, prosperity, and grace. Their enormous, silky blossoms—appearing for only a short window each year—make them one of Snug Harbor’s most anticipated seasonal highlights.
Visitors can join our annual guided tours during peak bloom in late April or early May, when the gardens are at their most vibrant. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the plant’s history, cultural significance, and care—while experiencing the collection at its most dazzling.
Come celebrate spring among flowers that have inspired poetry, art, and tradition for centuries.
Location
Where
The Peony Collection is located in the center of campus, encircling the Herb Garden. It is next to the Allée on the north side, to the east of Cottage Row and to the west of the Tropical Border path. An additional installation is located within the Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
