How to Keep Ants off Peonies

Last Updated: July 26, 2021 References Approved

Peonies are a popular garden plant because of their large, fragrant flowers. A common problem faced by peony growers, however, is the congregation of ants on the flowers. Peony buds secrete a sap that is rich in carbohydrates, and the ants feed on this substance. The relationship between ants and peonies is so long-standing that it was long believed that the ants were somehow necessary for the peony flowers to open. However, this belief is untrue, so there is no harm in trying to keep ants off peony bushes in your garden or cut peonies in your home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Keeping Ants Away from Peony Bushes

1
Spray peonies with water for an immediate solution. To temporarily get rid of the appearance of an ant infestation, spray the peony bushes with a strong stream of water. This will kill the ants on the bushes, but won’t permanently stop more ants from getting on your peonies.^{[1]
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2
Spray the peonies with insecticide for a more long-lasting solution. Find an insecticidal soap spray, and make sure the manufacturer specifically states that the product is effective against ants. Apply the insecticide according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks.^{[2]
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- This method will not generally be acceptable if you are committed to gardening organically or do not want to harm the beneficial insects that aid the plants in pollination.
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3
Treat your peony bushes with a natural ant repellant to avoid using insecticide.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional
Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.} Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of peppermint oil with 1 US quart (0.95 L) of water in a spray bottle to create a natural deterrent. Spray the mixture on the stems of the peonies and around the bushes to keep ants away.^{[4]
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- In the place of peppermint oil, you can also use 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) cayenne pepper or minced garlic. Mix one of these with 1 US quart (0.95 L) water and spray your peony bushes with the solution. Or try a 1 part apple cider vinegar, 1 part water solution.
4
Prevent the ants from climbing the plant's stem using a homemade ant trap. If keeping the ants off the peonies at all times is your goal, you can make a simple ant trap using paper and petroleum jelly. Cut a circle with about 6 inches (15 cm) wide out of a piece of paper. Make a straight cut from the outer edge to the center of the circle, and then cut out a small circle at the center of the paper circle. Smear one side of the paper circle with petroleum jelly. Then, place the circle around the stem of your peony plant, with the plant's stem at the center of the circle. ^{[5]
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- If the petroleum jelly side is facing up, any ants trying to climb the plant will get stuck in it.
- You can also buy commercial ant bait traps to kill the entire ant colony.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hussam Bin Break
  Pest Control Professional
  Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.}
5
Complement your peony plantings with ant-repellant plants. Another way you can discourage ants from getting on your peonies is by planting ant-repellant plants nearby. Some common plants that tend to repel ants are geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Ants Off of Cut Peonies

1
Cut and rinse the peonies when the buds are at the “marshmallow stage.” Peony buds that are showing some of the petals and soft when you squeeze them gently, like a marshmallow, are ready to cut. Before you bring the buds inside, rinse them in cold water to get rid of any ants. Put the stems in a vase so that the flowers will bloom.^{[7]
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- For even more effective removal of the ants, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the water. A mild soapy solution will not harm the flowers.^{[8]
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2
Shake fully bloomed peonies gently before bringing them inside. If you cut a fully bloomed peony off of a bush to bring inside, hold it upside down and gently shake it once or twice. Look for any ants that may still be in the petals and flick them away with your fingers.^{[9]
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- You can also rinse peony flowers in a cold bath.^{[10]
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3
Keep ants away from your blooms with honey and borax. Make an ant trap by mixing a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hot water, and 1 tablespoon (26 grams) of borax. Spread the mixture on a flat surface like a piece of paper or a notecard and place it near the flowers. The ants will be attracted to the honey, but die from eating the borax.^{[11]
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- This solution is not safe for households with children or pets, as it is poisonous if ingested.
4
Sprinkle the flowers with cinnamon to naturally repel ants. Ants have an aversion to cinnamon, so if you don’t mind your flowers smelling like the spice, sprinkle a small amount on the buds or petals. You can also try placing a cinnamon stick near the peonies.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What can I do to get rid of ants on my peonies?

Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional
Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.

Hussam Bin Break

Pest Control Professional

Expert Answer

You can buy an ant-repellent spray and apply it directly to the peonies. Otherwise, try placing ant bait traps around your garden to kill off the colony.