The sight of ants scrambling over a fat, unopened peony bud is a common occurrence that often causes gardeners concern. This is typically a temporary, seasonal attraction that signals the peony is close to blooming. The relationship between the ants and the flower is one of mutual, short-lived benefit rather than a sign of a damaging infestation. Understanding this interaction is the first step toward managing the presence of ants, especially if you plan to bring the beautiful flowers indoors.
Understanding Why Ants Visit Peonies
Peony buds produce a sweet, sticky substance called nectar from extrafloral nectaries located on the outside of the green sepals. This sugary secretion is a highly attractive food source for ants, particularly in the early spring when other food is scarce.
A scout ant that discovers this bounty lays down a pheromone trail, which is why a single bud can quickly become covered in dozens of insects. The ants are simply harvesting this sap and do not damage the developing flower. Once the flower fully opens, the nectar production ceases, and the ants naturally move on to find another food source.
It is a myth that ants are required to help “pry open” the sticky peony bud for it to bloom; the flower will open on its own. In fact, the ants provide a benefit to the peony by attacking small, herbivorous insects, like thrips or aphids, that might otherwise damage the developing bud while defending their food source.
Quick Methods for Removing Ants from Blooms
To clean ants off cut peony stems before arranging them indoors, harvest the buds when they are at the “marshmallow stage.” This means they have developed full color and feel soft when gently squeezed. Cutting the buds at this stage minimizes the number of ants present and ensures the bloom will still open beautifully in a vase.
After cutting the stem, hold the flower upside down and gently tap or shake the stem to dislodge the majority of the ants. This inverted position prevents the ants from crawling into the petals. For any remaining ants, a brief water bath is the most reliable technique. Fill a bucket or bowl with cool water and fully submerge the bloom for 20 to 30 seconds.
The ants will quickly float to the surface. You can add two drops of mild dish soap to the water to help break the surface tension, ensuring a more thorough cleansing. Once the flower is removed and gently shaken dry, immediately place the stem into a vase of clean water to prevent any remaining ants from returning to the bloom.
Strategies for Seasonal Ant Deterrence
To reduce the presence of ants around your peony plant throughout the growing season, focus on controlling the ant population near the base. A simple, non-chemical approach is to create a scent barrier around the perimeter of the plant’s base. Ants rely heavily on scent trails, and strong aromas can disrupt their ability to navigate and locate the nectar.
Sprinkling a line of ground cinnamon or diatomaceous earth directly on the soil around the plant’s crown serves as a physical and aromatic deterrent. Alternatively, a natural spray can be prepared by mixing water with a strongly scented oil, such as peppermint, or a solution of water and apple cider vinegar. Spraying this mixture on the lower stems and surrounding soil discourages foraging workers.
For peonies supported by a stake, apply a sticky barrier, such as petroleum jelly, to the stake itself to prevent ants from climbing and reaching the buds. This method is only effective if the ants cannot bypass the barrier by climbing the leaves. Long-term management involves identifying and treating ant colonies close to the peony using slow-acting, granular ant baits placed a safe distance from the plant’s base. This targets the nest directly.