The garden was originally founded as the 'Aptekarsky Ogorod' (Apothecary Garden) specifically to grow medicinal plants for the military and royal hospitals.
During the Siege of Leningrad, the botanical staff worked to keep the rare plant collections alive in the unheated greenhouses by burning wood and books.
The greenhouse complex includes the Grand Palm Greenhouse, which stands approximately 23 meters tall to accommodate mature tropical trees.
The institution is affiliated with the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, one of the oldest botanical research centers in the country.
The garden holds a specialized collection of rhododendrons and peonies that are hardy enough for the St. Petersburg climate.
The site survived the devastating 1924 flood of the Neva River, which severely damaged the arboretum.
Some of the palm trees in the collection date back to the 19th century and have been moved between different greenhouse structures over time.
The Botanical Gardens of Peter the Great, situated on Aptekarsky Island, represent one of the oldest botanical institutions in Russia, founded by Peter the Great in 1714 as a medicinal herb garden. The site currently encompasses an extensive complex of glass greenhouses, including the Great Palm House, which holds a collection of tropical and subtropical plants. The outdoor grounds feature an arboretum, a Japanese garden, and several ponds integrated into the landscape design. The greenhouse collection contains significant specimens of cycads, ferns, and cacti that have been cultivated for over a century. Research and conservation remain active functions of the garden under the Komarov Botanical Institute. Visitors can explore both the managed greenhouse routes and the historical park area.
Inside the Great Palm House with the vaulted glass ceiling as the backdrop.
Purchase separate tickets for the greenhouses and the outdoor park area if you intend to see both, as access is often managed differently.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes, as the paths in the park area can be uneven.
Check the official website for the annual blooming schedules of specific species like azaleas or water lilies to time your visit during peak displays.
Do not attempt to walk through the greenhouses without a ticket, as the areas are strictly monitored.
The outdoor park area is open daily, but greenhouse exhibitions often close on specific weekdays or during technical maintenance periods.
Stay on designated footpaths in the park to protect rare soil and root systems; touching greenhouse plants is strictly prohibited.
