Peonies sometimes get a bad rap, because small ants make them a favorite place to settle. Please note that it is completely normal to have ants on peony flowers. They are actually great friends!

Ants will not do any damage to your peonies. They love peony flowers because sweet nectar flows from the flowers. Run your finger over a peony bud and enjoy this natural sugar.

Some specialists also believe that the peony attracts ants which would then repel other predators. The ants would thus protect them against diseases, insects and others. The explanations are all well and good, but how can you not bring ants into the house with your peonies? This is the real question that many are asking.

It is recommended to cut your peony stems early in the morning or at sunset or even better in the evening when the ants have gone to sleep.

Choose flowers that are less open or still in the bud stage, but quite soft. The ants then have fewer places to hide!
Shake your flower in the garden to knock off the ants.

You can also leave your bouquet in water for 1 hour or 2 hours in the garage or in the shed or you can put a little soapy water on the buds before bringing them into your house.

There you have it, there is no reason to deprive yourself of creating spectacular bouquets and enjoying them both indoors and outdoors.