One of the world’s most complete collections of peony flowers is already at its peak bloom.
The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum holds more than 800 peony plants from 270 cultivars. At peak bloom, the garden is covered in more than 10,000 flowers.
A particularly warm and blustery Memorial Day weekend saw many of the flowers open up and begin to drop their petals just as the garden reached its peak. More wind and heat in the forecast could mean the garden’s time to shine is short-lived.
“The weather over the next few weeks will determine how long these blooms stick around,” officials said. “More high heat may cause the petals to drop early, and a heavy rainstorm could damage them as well.”
The garden celebrates its 102nd anniversary this year - it began in 1922 when UM alumnus W.E. Upjohn, founder of Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, donated a large collection including several plants from his own garden. It is now North America’s largest collection of heirloom and antique peonies.
Jacob Hamilton | Mlive.com
