How do I keep ants off of my peonies?

Almost all the answers are right but they failed to mention something else. If you look really close and observe, you'll see why. The ants are gathering the sticky juice that are coming out from the flower buds, call it harvesting. By taking these juices out, they're nurturing the flower buds at the same time (if the juices left unchecked there's a high percentage that the flowers will not open at all). Also, at the same time the ants are guarding the flower buds from worms and insects.





This partnership works both ways. I hope this will change your perspective. Observe everything in your garden, it's fun.

How do I keep ants off of my peonies?
peonies need the ants to bloom and survive. They help make the peony as beautiful as they are. They are important to one another. Another way of looking at it as at least they are on the peony bush and not in your house and counter..lol.., but if you wanted to cut the flowers and bring them in to put in a vase just shake the flower a little they usually come right off sometimes you have to do it a couple of times gently so you don't ruin your flower
Reply:The ants eat away at the outer layers of the bud so that they open up. You need the ants. No ants, no flowers
Reply:you should not do that . i hope you did not plant them near the house. chop some cucumbers and put around the perimeter of the House and your home will be ant free.
Reply:Peonies need the ants or the plant will not bloom so do not do a thing it's not like they invade your home they are there for the flower only and then after the flower blooms they kinda disappear.
Reply:I have beautiful Peonies, and many ants. They do not damage the flowers, but feed on a sweet secretion on the flower buds (look closely you will see it). This secretion attracts ants who defend this free food and attack other intruding insects. This is known as a `symbiotic relationship`, ants get fed, plant gets protection from enemies.
Reply:DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!








Ants and Peonies need each other!


I never grow peonies because ants gross me out.


BUT I do love to look at the beautiful blossoms!
Reply:Peonies need ants to survive. It is part of who they are. Leave them be or....lose them.