Now I know ants are attracted to them-- but the buds are still small and not even close to opening-- this is the first year I will get blooms since I planted them and then moved them again (dumb me) 2 1/2 YEARS ago-- so I am really anxious to see who survived -- I had a red Sarah Bernhart and a white one-- don't remember the name- got them from Franks so I can't even try to figure it out.
My question is-- will the ants hurt the buds at this stage or am I being a nervous mama?
Heather
Ants and Peonies
Just a tad jittery... :-)
They won't hurt...
Sheila
I m not an expert but I do read a fair bit and I ve never read anywhere of the ants hurting the buds. It s also a myth that you need ants to get them to open. Apparently the buds are sweet and the ants like that.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/happygarden/tf110249_gar.html
http://www.backyardgardener.com/perennialboard/messages/666.html
http://www.peonies.org/faq0.html
http://www.bachmans.com/retail/WeeklyUpdates2001/5_24_01.cfm
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/neosho/_EzWeb/Newsletters/128374.pdf
http://gardenpower.com/projects/bugs/00061.htm
http://www.pallensmith.com/newsletter/mailbox_java/mailbx_042503b.htm
http://magazines.ivillage.com/countryliving/garden/your/articles/0,,284660_294168-2,00.html
Lots of opinions! LOL Some good tips in some of these articles too!
Thank you !!!!!
Heather (who is feeeling less anxious now)
I am glad you asked this question. I had the same inquriy. Thanks also for the very nice links.
Here ya go...
Kooger,
Glad to know about the ants. My neighbors told me that was why mine didn't bloom well I sprayed it with ant spray or something. I think now it was because the piney was only in the spot I put it for about 3 years. Does that sound right? Thanks :)
I would be expecting blooms in 3 years, unless is was a tiny division or from seed. I just reread a couple of the links above and one guy mentioned waiting for 3 years for blooms, so I guess that's not unusual. Another one mentioned planting too deep - crown should be 2" below the surface and it should be in full sun. If you've got all those covered, I guess just patience would be called for. Unless your buds are turning black and not opening - do a google search for bud blast and you'll find treatments for that. Hope that helps, like I said, no expert here, just love peonies and reading. :)
If you have planted at correct dept, you usually should get at least 1 bloom the first year, and then more the following years. If nothing for 3 years, then I think it will be hit or miss if you get bloom later. It should not have to take that long on regular basis. I can see first year after planting that it is hit or miss, and even then I get a few single blooms, but not 3 years..
I did not know about the ants, and I did leave mine alone (yes.. mine has ants, too). Good thing, eh ?