Abstract: Horticultural therapy, originated at the end of 17th century，is an intercross subject including horticulture，medicine and psychology. The therapeutic effects of horticulture were recognized in the late 18th century. After the World War II, especially since the foundation of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, both research and application of horticultural therapy have developed greatly. Currently, famous organizations in this field includes the American Horticultural Therapy Association, Thrive and so on. Qualitative research methods were mainly adopted in the beginning, and then experimental statistical methods were added by modern researchers. Researches have confirmed the therapeutic effects of horticultural therapy, but its own theory has not formed. Presently, researchers mostly refer to theory of attention restoration and so on. The research of horticultural therapy in China started very late. Horticulture therapy is promising in China.