Do Ants Actually Help Peonies? Experts Set the Record Straight

Many peony varieties are reaching their peak bloom right now, making them the standout feature of your garden. Known for their large, vibrant flowers and delightful fragrance, peonies are a joy in the garden and when cut for arrangements.

However, if you grow peonies, you may have noticed that their sweet scent attracts ants, which can be a nuisance when the insects hitch a ride into your home on the buds. That said, there is some confusion among gardeners about whether ants are harmful or beneficial to peonies.

Below, peony expert growers explain the unique relationship between ants and these beautiful blooms and offer tips on keeping ants outdoors when you bring your flowers inside.

Why Ants Are Attracted to Peonies

Ants are attracted to peonies because they like the sweet nectar produced by the flower buds, explains Allen Reynolds, owner of Green Garden Farm. This sweet substance forms outside the buds on glands known as extrafloral nectaries. These are the green, leaf-like structures that surround the bud. The ants will depart once the flowers open fully and the nectar has been consumed.

While the extrafloral nectaries produce nectar to attract ants, the nectar for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds is made in the flower itself. This is why the ants crawl along the peony before it has opened.

Do Ants Help Peonies? 

Ants and peonies have a symbiotic relationship. According to Reynolds, peonies produce sweet nectar in their flower buds, attracting ants. In return, ants protect the peonies from predators such as thrips and other harmful insects—a win-win for the insect and the flower.

Laura Kubes, owner of Hidden Spring Peony Farm, emphasizes that ants do not harm peony buds, adding that ants significantly benefit peony flowers. "Ants act like a little army, defending the buds from other pests that might want to destroy their beautiful petals," she says.

What's more, ants commonly found on peonies are generally not the type that invade homes, so there is no need to worry about planting peonies near your home.

Plant Intersectional Peonies to Keep the Ants Away

If you want to enjoy the beauty of peonies in your garden without attracting ants, Kubes recommends planting intersectional or Itoh varieties like 'Bartzella' and 'All That Jazz.' These peonies are bred to minimize nectar production, making them less appealing to ants. With these stunning blooms in your garden, you can appreciate their vibrant beauty while keeping ants at bay.

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How to Remove Ants From Peonies

Cut peonies in a vase is one of summer’s dreamiest delights. However, while ants may be busy protecting the flowers, many people prefer not to bring these insects into their homes. To enjoy your peony blooms without ants, follow these steps to minimize their presence.

Harvest During the Bud Stage

Harvest your peonies when they are in the bud stage, commonly known as the marshmallow stage. At this stage, the buds should be swollen but still soft, resembling a marshmallow when gently squeezed. It's easier to remove ants from the buds before they fully open because they don't have the chance to hide inside the ruffles of the flowers. When you're ready to harvest, gently shake off any ants on the buds before bringing the flowers inside. An added bonus? The flowers will have a longer vase life when they're harvested at this stage.

Harvest in the Morning

Harvesting peonies in the morning, when the dew is still heavy on the flowers and before the ants have arrived, is an effective way to keep ants away. However, be sure to give the peonies a good shake and inspect them carefully before bringing them inside.

Swish in Water

Kubes recommends gently swishing the buds or blooms in a large bucket of water after cutting to dislodge any lingering ants. "The ants will float away from the flowers, allowing you to bring them indoors without any unwanted guests," she says.