This study assessed the subsurface runoff and peak flow reduction in rain gardens. The results showed that the highest water retention was found in rain garden mesocosms in which Rhododendron lateritium and Zoysia japonica were planted, followed by mesocosms in which either R. lateritium or Z. japonica was planted, and the lowest water retention rate was found in non-vegetated control treatment mesocosms(${alpha}$ < 0.05). Although higher rainfall intensity caused a decrease of peak flow reduction in both vegetated and non-vegetated treatments, peak flow reduction was the greatest in mesocosms with mixed plants. A rain garden can be an effective tool for environment-friendly stormwater management and improving ecological functions in urban areas. Depending on the purpose such as delaying runoff or increasing infiltration, various plant types should be considered for rain garden designing.