posted
Every time I look at my peonies, I see ants hanging out near the flower bud. Is there something going on there that I should know about? Are they damaging the plant? Should I try to get rid of them, and, if so, how? Thanks for the help! Plants: 236 | From: Coastal CT | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 64.252.69.211
posted
Look for something smaller.. aphids. If you see a bunch of ants on your plants, then chances are, they are there to collect the honeydew the aphids create. Icky critters.. suck the life out of your plants.
Where there are peonies there are ants, I even planted zinnia's right next door to them and used the nicotine tea. Ants aren't moving. they even built a nest/house/colony alittle farther down in the weed patch.
* * * * Plants: 8557 | From: triangle, virginia | Registered: Mar 2005
| Seeded: 4.249.123.144
posted
Wow, that's cool to know Cindy. I wouldn't have thought about the flower having something sweet & attractive to the ants. But that makes sense! Thanks for the link! Now, I learned something new today.
posted
Cool-Thank you very much Cindy-that's a relief-now I'll smile when I see the ants instead of grumble Plants: 236 | From: Coastal CT | Registered: Oct 2004
| Seeded: 64.252.68.11
posted
Peonies and ants go together. I've heard they eat the "green" over the bud, and therefore are helpful. I remember as a child (AGES ago) when I'd stand at the hedge row of peonies my grandmother had and try to get all the ants off the buds. Those peonies made the most beautiful display........enjoy!
posted
The flowers will not open if not for the ants. I've planted them in order to draw them away from certain areas and towards the plants instead. Seems to work well thus far.
login | 
| 
| 
![[wayey]](graemlins/wavey.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
GO DAWGS! 
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this garden