Why Ants Sit on Peony Buds: The Secret of Unusual Behavior

On peony buds you can often see small black or red ants that seem to leisurely stroll along the surface of the flowers.

This spectacle raises questions among gardeners, because the insects seem to be "guarding" the flower. The reason for this behavior of the ants lies in the characteristics of the plant.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist agronomist and landscape designer, told how to care for peonies.

Natural nectar on buds

The surface of peony buds is covered with special glands that secrete a sweet secretion – nectar.

This natural product attracts ants because it provides them with the sugars they need to survive. The buds secrete nectar for several weeks before the flower opens, creating a real feast for the insects.

The sweet smell of nectar serves as a signal for the ants, who quickly find the food source. They not only absorb the sweetness, but also return to the bud again and again. This symbiosis is also beneficial to the plant, since the ants are able to protect it from pests.

Ants as a natural defense

The behavior of insects on peonies is not limited to just searching for food. Ants, feeding on nectar, become protectors of the buds. They actively drive away other insects, including pests that can damage the flower.

Aphids or small beetles that feed on the plant's juices often try to settle on peonies. Ants, taking care of their "sweet dining room", attack the uninvited guests and prevent them from multiplying. Thanks to this, peonies receive additional protection.

Misconceptions about the harm of ants

Some gardeners believe that ants harm peonies by damaging the buds. In fact, such fears are unfounded.

Insects cannot bite through the hard shell of the flower and do not cause any harm to it. Their presence does not slow down the development of plants and does not affect the quality of flowering.

The only inconvenience is that ants can get into the house if cut peonies are brought in a vase. To avoid this situation, it is enough to gently shake off the insects before bringing the flowers inside.

The Impact of Ants on the Garden Ecosystem

Ants are an important part of the garden ecosystem. They help process organic waste and also help spread the seeds of some plants. Their interaction with peonies is an example of how nature creates mutually beneficial relationships between living things.

Attracting ants to peonies can be an added bonus for gardeners. Insects living in the garden help maintain balance by keeping pests in check.

Recommendations for the care of peonies

In order for peonies to feel comfortable, it is important to properly care for them. Regular watering, fertilizing and loosening the soil will create favorable conditions for the development of flowers. At the same time, ants that appear on the buds do not require intervention. Their presence is natural and safe.

Some gardeners try to repel insects using soap or chemicals. However, such methods often harm the plants themselves, upsetting the natural balance. It is better to leave the peonies alone and let the ants enjoy the nectar.

For reference

Peony is a genus of herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs (tree peonies). The only genus of the peony family (Paeoniaceae), previously the genus was classified in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).