For lovers of peonies and for anyone who is fascinated by the botanical world, the Moutan botanist center reopens to the public, an authentic paradise dedicated to this extraordinary flower. Located near Viterbo, the garden represents an international unicum, thanks to the vastness of its collection and the beauty of its blooms.
The Moutan botanist center
Founded in the nineties, the Moutan botanist center was born with the aim of collect and preserve all the species and varieties of existing Chinese peonies. An ambitious, bold project, which has given rise to one of the most extraordinary botanical collections in the world, a pleasant place where beauty lives with research, discovery and in -depth analysis of everything related to peonies, from history to cultivation methods.
The extension of the garden is impressive: well 15 hectares they host about 600 varieties and hybridsfor a total of over 200 thousand specimens.
Historical notes on the Peony
Peonies have a fascinating past. Originally from China, they were considered a precious asset so as to be kept under imperial protection, and are recognized, even today, as a national flower. In the East the Peony is called “Queen of Flowers”, a queen who in Europe will arrive only in the nineteenth century – thanks to the Dutch Company of the Eastern Indies – meeting, at least initially, some difficulties of setting up, especially because of the climatic variation with respect to the Asian regions.
Slow growth, together with the delicacy of flowering, are characteristics of the peony that can discourage the most to cultivation, but knowing how to wait, with dedication and determination, this wonderful plant will be able to repay the commitment made: today we are aware of specimens that exceed 300 years of age, witnesses of the extraordinary longevity of the peony.
In China, the calm with which peonies grow and flourish is considered a metaphor for beauty and perseverance: think that some hybrid varieties take up to seven years before producing the first flower.
When to visit the garden
The spectacular flowering of the peonies develops over two months, with different timing depending on the variety:
Flowering 2025: dates and times
For the 2025 season, the garden will be accessible from 29 March to 1 June with the following times:
Indicatively, the flowering This calendar will follow:
For real -time updates on the state of flowering and on the events scheduled for weekends, you can consult the official website of the Moutan Botanical Center, also present on Facebook and Instagram.
Tickets and useful information
Access to the garden is regulated by the following prices:
The ticket includes access to the Peonie collection, but does not include the guide. Recall that it is forbidden to collect flowers and that dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash.
How to reach the Moutan Botanical Center
The garden is located in Vitorchiano, in the province of Viterbo, precisely on the state road Ortana 46, locality Il Pallone. In addition to being able to admire the peonies in bloom, visitors have the opportunity to buy specimens to cultivate in their garden or terrace, thus bringing a touch of this botanical wonder in their homes.
We leave you with a gallery dedicated to the splendid peonies of the Moutan botanist center:
