Peonies
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BONNIE J on Jun 22, 2014I BELIEVE THE ANTS R REQUIRED TO ENCOURAGE THE FLOWERS TO OPEN UP?Helpful Reply
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Winnie Hensler on Jun 22, 2014my Mom always said that the ants help the blooms to open just by crawling over themHelpful Reply
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Lori Jackson on Jun 22, 2014No ants, no peonies. Seriously.Helpful Reply
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Lynnelogue on Jun 22, 2014I agree with all of the above. I don't know exactly why but ants and peonies go together.Helpful Reply
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Susannah Landis on Jun 22, 2014Sat May 07, 2011 10:09 pm Don't worry about it. Peonies always have ants, but the ants do not hurt the peonies. The peonies exude a sweet sap that the ants like. It used to be said that the peonies needed the ants to eat away the bud covering making it easier for the buds to open, thus being a sort of symbiotic relationship. But I think that one may be a myth. "Ants are attracted to the sweet resin exuded on the flower buds, but it's a long-standing, popular, even benevolent myth that they "tickle the buds" or "lick the sugar" to help the buds open. They would open regardless of the ants' presence (these are the same ants that would benevolently tickle the food at the average picnic)." http://www.gardenopus.com/peonies.htmHelpful Reply
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Lynnelogue on Jun 22, 2014This should help explain ants role with peonies. From Kansas State University - Research and Extension - Peonies (http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_hfrr/extensn/Hort%20Tips/Annual%20and%20Perennial%20Flowers/peonies.htm)Ants and PeoniesIt is common to see ants crawling on peony buds. The ants are feeding on an exudate that the bud gives off; they do not feed on the flowers themselves. The exudate is high in sugar and is, therefore, a good energy source for the ants. The ants also seem to help protect the buds from other insects that would like to feed on the buds. This, therefore, is a symbiotic relationship; one in which a relationship between two organisms works to the benefit of both. The ant gains a high value food source and the peony is provided flower bud protection. Therefore, if you see ants on your peonies, leave them be. They are not harming the peonies but working for their benefit. However, ants are not necessary for peonies to bloom.Helpful Reply
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Bonnie Bassett on Jun 23, 2014I read it in a gardening site so I think ti is true that the ants aid in bloomingHelpful Reply
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The Garden Frog with C Renee on Jun 23, 2014I am sorry to bust the myth that ants aid in peony blossoming. from my 70 year old gardening book "ants do not eat peony buds; they feed on the sweet, syrupy material secreted by the developing buds. they do no harm to the peonies except, possibly to spread botrytis blight disease". I also want to add that my peonies bloomed without ants. So I guess it is up to the gardener to decide what the relationship of your garden and pests. Gardening is our way of learning what nature has to offer and the lessons we learn. Happy gardening!Helpful Reply
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Bonnie Bassett on Jun 26, 2014Did anyone notice the little ant on the peony blossom that I posted I didn't even notice it was there until I saw it in the photo ! :)Helpful Reply
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