All About Ants and Peonies

If there’s one topic that comes up in peony conversations the most, it’s ants. Grandma may have told you the buds need ants to open. Or maybe that you shouldn’t plant peonies next to the house or ants will come in! (Both are not true.)

You may have childhood memories (nightmares) of ants on peonies. Or perhaps you’re just wondering how to get those ants off the flowers before you bring them indoors. We cover all that today! Read on.

Do peonies need ants for the flowers to open?

This might be my most asked question as a peony farmer. Here’s the scoop. No, peonies do not NEED ants for the flowers to open. The ants are there to eat the yummy nectar that dribbles from the bud as it opens. They do not harm the flowers either. On the contrary, while the ants are feasting on peony nectar they also protect the buds from other little crawlers that would otherwise nibble on the petals themselves. So the peonies and ants have a mutually beneficial relationship.

Can I plant peonies next to the house without attracting ants?

Good news! The ants that are attracted to the nectar of peonies are not the kind that want to invade your house. The guys are happy living outside. So plant your peonies in whatever sunny spot you’d like.

Are there varieties of peonies that don’t attract ants?

Yes! Itoh peonies do not have the oozing nectar that attracts the ants in the first place. So if you love peonies, but not so much the ants, I would recommend an Itoh, or Intersectional variety. These types of peonies are a cross between an herbaceous and a woody peony.

How to I remove ants before bringing cut peonies into the house?

No one wants ants in the house. So when you cut your peonies, dip and lightly swish them in a bucket or sink full of water. The ants float away and you can safely bring in the blooms, free of bugs.