Peony

Peonies are a group of flowering plants in the genus Paeonia, valued for their large, often fragrant blooms and long-lived perennial growth habit.

Peonies are a group of flowering plants in the genus Paeonia, valued for their large, often fragrant blooms and long-lived perennial growth habit. They are commonly grown in gardens as ornamental plants and are known for attracting ants to their flower buds, which feed on sugary nectar rather than harming the plant.

Description

Peonies are ornamental flowering plants grown for their large blooms, which may be pink, white, red, or other colours depending on the cultivar. They are long-lived garden plants and can persist for decades when planted in suitable conditions.

Cultivation

Peonies do best in full sun, in soil that drains well, and with the crown planted at the correct depth. They generally need modest watering once established and benefit from minimal disturbance after planting.

Blooming and growth cycle

Depending on the variety and local climate, peonies bloom from spring into early summer. Herbaceous peonies die back above ground in autumn and regrow from the roots in spring.

Ants on peony buds

Ants are commonly seen on peony buds because they are attracted to nectar-like sugary secretions. The ants do not help the flowers open and are not required for the plant's growth.