Peony (Paeonia sp.) are one of the best perennial garden staples for the Midwest garden. They are practically indestructible and grow well in our heavy, alkaline soils. They do get a couple of diseases, botrytis is the most damaging and can kill the plant. The Arboretum has three species of peony, 191 cultivars and a total of 240 specimens. This collection has been on the grounds of the Arboretum for decades, but in 1983 it was moved as part of the development of a series of gardens adjacent to the Snyder Building, and at that time was named the Lang Peony Walk.