Ants on Peonies: Friend or Foe?

Ants and Peonies: A Gardener's Unexpected Dilemma BY – A Belarusian gardener's recent video has sparked discussion among plant enthusiasts. The video, uploaded on May 31st, 2025, shows close-up footage of peony buds infested with ants. The author, known online as "ПИУ от Наташи Довгель," claims that while many believe ants are harmless to peonies, an excessive ant population can actually damage the developing buds, causing them to dry out and fail to bloom. "Many experts claim ants don't harm peonies," says the author in the video. "But my experience shows that if there are too many ants, they can indeed damage the plant." The video showcases the ants' presence on the buds and the resulting wilting. While the video lacks scientific evidence, it highlights a common gardening concern and encourages further investigation into the relationship between ants and peonies. Further research is needed to confirm the author's claims, but the video serves as a valuable anecdotal observation for gardeners.