Ants and Peonies: Separating Fact from Fiction: Do Ants Assist Peony Growth? Experts Clarify Misconceptions
Peonies and Their Little Insect Guardians: An Unconventional Alliance
Savoring the exquisite beauty of peonies is a timeless delight for garden enthusiasts. But, if you've ventured into peony cultivation, you might have noticed those tiny, busy insects clinging to your blooms – ants! While they may seem incongruous with a garden's tranquility, these critters play a unique role in the peony garden.
Here's a revealing conversation with peony experts to help you understand the bizarre bond between these lovely flowers and their industrious guardians.
- Allen Reynolds, Green Garden Farm, St. Albans, Maine
- Laura Kubes, Hidden Spring Peony Farm, Spring Grove, Minnesota
Why Ants Flock to Peonies
Ants find a veritable sweet treat in peonies, courtesy of the flower buds' extrafloral nectaries. These structures, resembling green, leaf-like appendages encircling the bud, emit a sugary substance that draws ants. Once the flowers fully bloom, the ants scamper off, finding no more nectar to savor[1].
It's worth noting that the nectar produced for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds is found within the flower itself, whereas the ant-attracting nectar is secreted by extrafloral nectaries[1]. This explains why ants are so keen on the pre-bloom stage of peony buds.
Some gardeners may believe that ants are crucial for peony buds to develop, but peony expert Allen Reynolds debunks this myth[1].
Are Ants Friends or Foes of Peonies?
Ants and peonies have an intricate, symbiotic relationship. Ants relish the sweet nectar on peony buds, while the flowers reciprocate by providing a protective force against potential predators like thrips[1]. So it's advantageous for both species!
Laura Kubes discusses the ants' defensive role in the peony world. She likens ants to a mini army, guarding the buds from other harmful pests[1]. These ants often belong to less invasive species that are unlikely to infest your home[1].
Plant Cross-Bred Peonies to Keep the Ants Away
Want to admire peonies without their ant entourage? Then consider inter-breeding, or Itoh peonies. These varieties, such as 'Bartzella' and 'All That Jazz', are engineered to produce less nectar, making them less appealing to ants[2]. Enjoy these captivating, nectar-sparse blooms in your garden while keeping ants at bay.
Bonus Tips: A Nectar-Free Peony Harvest
Harvesting peonies for indoor arrangements can be a frustrating experience if the ants tag along. To savor your blooms indoors without a buggy entourage, consider the following suggestions:
Pick Buds at Their Prime
Harvest your peonies at the "marshmallow stage," where the buds are swollen but still soft and resemble a marshmallow when gently squeezed. Harvesting during this stage makes it easier to remove ants, as they haven't had a chance to burrow within the blooms[3].
Morning Harvest
Harvesting peonies in the cool, dewy hours of the morning, when ants are less active, is an effective strategy. However, give your peonies a thorough examination before they make their way indoors[4].
** rapid Dunk**
Submerge the buds or blooms briefly in a large bucket of water to dislodge any lingering ants. Ants will float to the top, allowing you to admire your peony bouquet without unwanted visitors[4].
By following these tips, you can relish the beauty of peonies indoors while keeping ants at bay. Happy gardening!
References:
- (2021, March 12). Peonies, Ants, and The Myths. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.verdantgardens.com/2021/03/peonies-ants-and-the-myths/ Investigating the enigmatic symbiosis between peonies and ants.
- Osborn, E. (2020, June 16). How to Keep Ants out of Your Peony Flowers. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/flowers-plants/gardening/how-to-keep-ants-out-of-peonies
- Clifford, H. (n.d.). Ants on peonies. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.stephansgardening.com/ants-on-peonies/
- Neal, T. (2018, June 19). How to Get Ants Off Peony Buds. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-ants-off-peonies-1964447/
Martha Stewart might suggest incorporating ant-resistant Itoh peonies, such as 'Bartzella' or 'All That Jazz,' in your flower gardens to maintain a nectar-free environment and discourage ants while still enjoying the captivating beauty of peonies.
In home-and-garden lifestyle, gardening enthusiasts often find companion plants to deter pests; however, the relationship between peonies and ants is unusual. Savvy peony growers, like Allen Reynolds and Laura Kubes, appreciate the protective role ants play, as they guard the buds from harmful pests like thrips.
For those who prefer to admire peonies indoors without any insect company, consider harvesting the blooms during the morning dew when ants are less active and following the rapid dunk method, which involves submerging the buds or blooms in water to dislodge any lingering ants prior to arranging them.
