Ants and the Peony Picnic: Mutualism in the Garden

If you walk around the garden, you’re sure to see insects, spiders, pollinators, and other “pests” on your flowers or produce from time to time. There are many insect foes in the garden, but ants are not one of them. Their relationship is perfectly mutualistic with the peony flower, and they are essential in helping to maintain the health and beauty of these fragrant blossoms.

It is a common myth that ants are required to stimulate the peony buds to open and bloom. Peonies bloom beautifully on their own, however ants do play another important role by defending the plant’s stems and buds from other harmful insects like aphids. When growing peonies, allow nature to work its wonder and please do not spray insecticides. Chemical sprays do more harm than good for ants, surrounding plants, and soil.

Peony flower buds secrete a nectar full of sugars, amino acids, lipids, and other organic matter that are excellent food sources for ants. When an ant discovers this blooming source of nutrition, they notify the rest of their nest by secreting an odor trail as they travel from the peonies back to their home. The other members of the nest will then travel along the trail and continue to feed from the peony buds until the nectar is gone. As they delicately graze, they help control other pests that would destroy the blooms. They then disappear without a trace to find another food source after the peonies finish blooming.

PEONY & ROSE BOUQUET

If you are bringing peonies indoors for a bouquet, simply hold the flowers upside down and gently shake the stems to remove any ants or gently rinse the blooms with water before arranging them.

By Glory Forrest