Thought I'd post this "here" as well...help please!
Please tell me those little buggers are trying to eat my blooms? I've never noticed them on any other plant!! I was out misting the plant leaves and buds with a "bloom booster" mixture when I noticed red ants all over my Peony. This is the Peony I threatened last year with dumpster duty if it didn't "do" something the next spring/summer...LOL Last year was year #2 since planting it...lots of leaves but only two blooms....grrrr!!! This year? What to my wandering eyes should appear...TWENTY-ONE buds at last count!!!! Yip-peee!! But these red ants?!!!!!!! Thoughts anyone?
Peonies and red ants
The ants visit your peonies because the flower buds secrete a sweet substance that the ants like to eat. The ants are not harmful to your peonies. The ants don't eat the actual plant and contrary to popular belief, the ants are not required to open the buds.
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Calalily,
Whew...glad to hear that! Yes, I'd been told a few times that the ants helped the "hatching" process...LOL. As long as they're NOT eating my blooms to be - I'm a happy camper!!! Thank you!!
Chantell
I'd always heard that too, but I guess studies have been done on it. It is important to rinse the ants off if you're going to make cut flowers or they will get all in your house!
Ah....the first bud almost opened all the way....
Wow, beautiful and large!
I know...can't believe how big they are..with all this rain they've been weighed down :(