Do Ants Really Open Peonies?
WouterDuring the spring season, peonies are a popular flower. They produce a variety of vibrant color displays. They are also used to produce beautiful bouquets. However, it is not a good idea to cut peonies until they are fully bloomed.
Peonies are part of the myrmecophytes group of plants. They are sweet and have a sticky substance on the sepal that ants love. The sugary substance attracts ants to the flower to protect it from destructive insects. Ants are also helpful in defending plants against harmful insects such as mealybugs.
However, peonies do not need ants to bloom. If you are worried about ants on your flowers, there are several ways to remove them.
Some gardeners have told me that they shook their peony blooms under running water to remove the ants. This also helps the flower to open. You can also put the flower buds in a container of warm tap water.
Other gardeners suggest that ants can be removed by dipping them in water. While this may sound like a harmless method, it could actually harm beneficial insects. You should also be careful not to add peppermint oil or minced garlic to your water. These methods may also harm the ants.
You can also cut dead stems of peonies to the ground. This will minimize the chance of disease problems next year. Another way to prevent ants from coming into your home is to plant your peony bushes away from your home.
