Peonies are garden plants, known for their large, often fragrant blooms that signal the arrival of late spring and early summer. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these flowers engage in a natural relationship with various creatures in the garden. Understanding how peonies interact with these visitors, particularly for pollination, can help gardeners appreciate the intricate workings of their plants and the surrounding ecosystem.
Why Peonies Attract Pollinators
Peonies attract pollinators with several features. Their large, showy flowers, often in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow, provide strong visual cues. A sweet fragrance guides pollinators closer to the nectar and pollen within.
Nectar, a sugary liquid, serves as an energy source, while pollen provides essential proteins and fats. Peonies secrete sticky, sugary nectar from glands on the bud and within the flower, providing an accessible food source. Pollinators collect these resources, transferring pollen and aiding the plant’s reproduction.
Who Pollinates Peonies
Peonies attract various insects, with bees being the primary pollinators. Honeybees and bumblebees are frequent visitors, drawn to the abundant pollen and nectar. As bees collect resources, pollen adheres to their bodies and transfers to other peony flowers, facilitating cross-pollination.
Flies and beetles also visit peonies and contribute to pollination, though less significantly than bees. Peonies with open flower forms, like single or semi-double varieties, offer easier access to pollen and nectar, appealing more to foraging insects. Double-flowered varieties, with dense petals, make it challenging for pollinators to reach reproductive parts.
Ants are often seen on peony buds and flowers, leading to a misconception that they are essential for the flowers to open. Ants are attracted to the sweet, sticky nectar secreted by peony buds, known as extrafloral nectaries, before the flowers open. While ants consume this substance, they do not pollinate or help buds unfurl. Their presence can deter other pests, such as aphids.
Encouraging Pollinators in Your Peony Garden
To support pollinators in your peony garden, implement beneficial practices. Plant a diverse array of flowering plants alongside peonies for a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Incorporating native plant species is helpful, as they are well-adapted and provide optimal resources for native pollinators.
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides, as these harm beneficial insects. If pest control is necessary, consider less toxic options or apply treatments in the evening when pollinators are less active. This minimizes direct contact with foraging insects and allows sprays to dry before pollinators return.
Provide water sources for pollinators, as they need water for hydration, cooling, and nest building. A shallow dish with pebbles or a birdbath with stones allows insects to land safely while drinking. Ensure these water sources are regularly cleaned and refilled to prevent mosquito breeding and maintain freshness.
Select peony varieties accessible to pollinators. Single-flowered or semi-double peonies, with exposed centers, allow easier access to pollen and nectar than dense, double-flowered types. Adopting these practices creates a supportive environment for pollinators, benefiting your peonies and the wider garden ecosystem.