I'll take a pair of Peonies with a Side of Ants

The idea that ants "dance" on peony buds to help them bloom is a long-standing gardening myth with no scientific basis.  The belief likely evolved because ants are seen crawling over peony buds just before they open.  Peonies produce sweet nectar from nectaries located just outside the green sepals (the outer protective layer before petals unfurl.)   A nectary is a specialized organ that produces and releases nectar to attract pollinators. The nectar is irresistible to ants which feed on it and may leave sticky droplets on the buds.

While ants are not needed for peonies to bloom, they do have a - mutualistic relationship - with the plants.  Ants protect buds from pests like aphids, thrips, and other damaging insects.

Ants get a reliable food source from the nectar.  This is a form of biological mutualism, both parties gain something, but neither is dependent on the other for blooming.

If you find ants on your peonies, there's no need to remove them unless you want to avoid bringing them indoors.  They are harmless and temporary, leaving once the buds open and the nectar is gone.  If you are cutting peonies for indoors, gently shake them or upend and dunk in a bucket of water outside or rinse to remove ants before bringing them inside.  It doesn't harm the flowers.

Peonies will bloom beautifully without ants.  The ants are just enjoying a free snack and helping keep the buds pest-free...and that is an assist we gratefully accept.

June is Peony season at Hildene, the summer home of Robert Lincoln, Manchester, VT.  photo by Heather Marcus.

With Peonies in the foreground.  "An Old Farmhouse with Grandmother Standing in the Door and a Little Girl", Peder Mørk Mønsted, Denmark. (1919)

For a visual and aromatic extravaganza visit this Peony farm in our neighboring town or their wonderful website:  Peony's Envy - Herbaceous, Intersectional, Tree & Woodland Peony Nursery, Display Garden and Cut Flower Fields