June 6, 2025, 4:17 am | Read time: 4 minutes
When the magnificent peony blossoms are about to bloom in spring or early summer, it’s common to see numerous ants on the buds. myHOMEBOOK explains whether the ants harm the flowers.
The name of the royal peony has two origins—depending on whether you consider the German or botanical name. It’s called a peony because it often blooms around Pentecost. The botanical name, Paeonia, comes from the Greek god physician Paeon. Whatever you choose to call the peony, each year it’s notable for the swarms of ants that prefer to settle on the plant’s flowers. But what’s behind this? Should you remove the insects, or do they serve a purpose?
Overview
Why Are Ants Often Found on Peonies?
The reason for the heavy presence of ants on peony flowers is simple: The buds of many peony varieties secrete a sweet sap. This is a sugary secretion released through fine glands on the bud’s outer layer (the calyx). For ants, this nectar is a welcome food source—comparable to honeydew, which they harvest from aphids.
Once an ant discovers this sweet sap on a flower, it uses a scent trail to lead other ants to the sugary food source. Soon, the flower is teeming with ants. Since the buds take several days to weeks to fully bloom, the ants have a well-stocked table during this time.
Helpful Allies or Pests?
Many hobby gardeners initially suspect that ants might harm the plant or hinder the blooming of the buds. But this concern is unfounded. The insects neither eat the buds nor the petals. They don’t harm the plant overall, even though they indulge in the sweet flower secretion.
On the contrary, some experts even suspect a kind of symbiosis between peonies and ants. While collecting the sweet sap, ants simultaneously keep other small pests away. Their presence deters aphids or caterpillars that might otherwise damage the plant.
Moreover, an old gardener’s myth suggests that ants “cleaning” the buds help the flowers open. However, this is not true. Peonies open on their own, independent of ants. Otherwise, half-open peony flowers in a vase would hardly open by themselves.
Should You Remove Ants from Peonies?
While ants in the house are usually a nuisance and should be quickly removed, ants on peony flowers are not a problem. At least as long as the ants only visit the flower buds. However, if you fear that ants might invade your home in large numbers after cutting peonies as cut flowers, you should take precautions:
- Gently shake the flowers outdoors
- Wipe the buds with a damp cloth
- If necessary, briefly dip the flower stems in water to remove any remaining ants
7 Tips to Keep Peonies Fresh in a Vase Longer
What to Do When the Peony Doesn’t Bloom
Conclusion
Ants on peonies are a completely natural phenomenon and not a cause for concern. The insects simply follow their preference for the sugary sap of the buds. They are generally unproblematic for the plant’s health—and can even keep unwanted pests at bay. So, if you don’t mind their busy activity, you can let the ants be and look forward to the magnificent bloom of the peonies.
Care Tips for Lush Blooms
To showcase peonies’ impressive blooms in full glory, proper care is essential. The location should be sunny to partially shaded, as the more sun the plant receives, the more abundant the bloom usually is.
The soil should ideally be rich in humus and well-drained—peonies do not tolerate waterlogging. An annual application of mature compost or organic fertilizer in early spring supports growth and flower formation. Just before and during blooming, the plant benefits from ample water supply, without the root area remaining constantly wet. Removing faded blooms helps direct the plant’s energy toward growing and developing more magnificent flower heads.
Another tip: Peonies are quite site-loyal. Once you give them a good spot in the garden and have patience, you’ll be rewarded with more and more magnificent blooms year after year—at least if the care is right.