Ants on peony buds

[Daisy]

We have a peony plant in the garden which originally came from OH's parents' garden more years ago than I can remember. It's one of those plants I always look forward to seeing come into flower, and I love it. But it always seems to be covered in ants when the buds are about to open despite there being no tasty aphids for them to munch on.

I know why now! The ants actually eat the slightly sticky stuff that holds the buds closed. They don't harm the plant in any way, in fact they help to release the bud allowing it to open more freely.

I never knew this, and isn't Nature wonderful!!

[Gemini]

Gosh I didn't know this either Daisy!

We have two peony plants which were here when we bought the house .
I can't say I have ever noticed ants on them.

[Oma]

How fascinating, I never knew that either,
I do like ants , not in the house but love to see them outside, very clever little things,
As the saying goes Daisy you learn something new every day of your life 😁

[Daisy]

They say every day's a school day, don't they!

[Oma]

I passed this info onto my brother in law he has Peonies in his garden ,
He is a avid gardener and didn't know this either,
He said he won't get rid of he sees them now 😁

[Daisy]

Oma, I stood and watched the ants the other day. They communicated with each other, and worked round the edges of the buds where I suppose they can get at the sticky stuff. I'm glad we've saved your BIL's ants from extermination.

[Plantaholic]

Like bees, I find ants fascinating but not when they get in the house.

[Gemini]

I agree they are amazing creatures.