Why Are Ants Always on Peonies?
WouterDuring late spring and summer, ants will often appear on peonies. Peonies produce nectar that ants can feed on. Ants will also swarm around insects that are trying to bite flower buds.
Generally, ants will not harm peonies, but will protect the peony buds from other pests. Using a home made ant trap is a good way to stop the ants from causing damage to your peonies.
Peonies are part of a plant group called myrmecophytes. Myrmecophytes means “ant plant”. Ants have special roles within their nests. They protect the nest and the food source, and reinforce the odor trail. When ants eat nectar, they release a pheromone that attracts other ants to the nest.
Peonies are sweet and are a nice source of food for ants. Peonies have sugary nectar on the outside of the buds. Ants are attracted to the sweet, sticky substance, and will protect the buds from other insects.
Peony buds are soft and can be picked before the ants have established themselves in the petals. Ants will leave the peony when the nectar has gone.
The best time to pick peonies is when the buds have reached the marshmallow stage. This is when the buds are soft and can be squeezed. If you do not cut the buds during this stage, the ants will have a difficult time getting established in the petals.
If you have a peony outside your home, you may want to place the stem in a small container of water. The ants will float out of the peony bloom when held in water.
