I’ve seen people posting photos of their peonies in bloom while I’m still in a no-bloom holding pattern. I LOVE peonies and have been waiting — no so patiently — to see something more than green with a few balls on top.
Seeing those ants on the buds I figured something was bad wrong! I was off to Google to find out what I needed to spray those suckers with. From what I’ve read, my plants must just be slow to bloom because ants aren’t a problem.
They are a fine example of biological mutualism. 🤢
Peony flowers provide food for ants and in turn, the ants protect the blossoms from other floral-feeding insects. They are mutually beneficial to one another. It looks like my peonies called for reinforcements.
Who knew that peonies have a mushroom stage? Not me!
Evidently, my peonies are at the mushroom stage — where the buds are closed but show some color, and they’re soft when gently squeezed. The source I read explained that if you cut them at the mushroom stage, you can store them in the refrigerator to produce blooms later. Full bloom will occur in 8-48 hours once the stems are placed in water.
Not sure I believe that because this mushroom stage has already lasted at least 3 days on the outside plant. Time will tell I guess… I’m trying to exercise patience while not freaking out about ants and their biological mutualism thing.
At least I have other flowers that are colorful to keep me happy in the meantime…
Now you know: In 1953, Ringo Starr developed tuberculosis and was admitted to a sanatorium, where he stayed for two years. While there, the medical staff attempted to alleviate boredom by encouraging patients to participate in the hospital band, resulting in his initial encounter with a drum set.