Peonies
Ants
Ants are drawn to peonies right before they bloom. For years, it was believed that the ants facilitated the blooming process by consuming the nectar and “unsealing” the buds. We now know this to be untrue. While the ants do not seem to benefit the peony, nor does it seem to harm it either. They are casual acquaintances. If you are cutting peonies to bring indoors, give them a good shake to lose any unwitting passengers you might not have noticed.
Click here to read about the Itoh Peony varieties available at Homestead Gardens.
Written by: Tim Hamilton
Photo by : Melanie McCabe