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I have a bunch of peony plants in my yard. Right now they are all starting to bloom, and I caught this one just about 24 hours away from opening fully. There are several that have already bloomed, but I love how this one looks like it’s on the verge of bursting. I think this is the point where a flower could be considered “yearning.” It’s petals look like they’re absolutely aching to lay wide to the sun and take it all in, inviting bees and ants to come and partake of its pollen.
It looks like a beautiful egg. I thought the ants mostly came when the peony buds were still tightly closed, eating the wax off of them. Do they also come later?
You’re absolutely right! It’s been too long since I studied my bugs. Ants are attracted to the sweet waxy coating on peony buds that is present right before they open. They don’t, in fact, have anything at all to do with pollinating the flower. Goes to show me!