Did you know peonies don't need ants to bloom? This is a common myth.

So what are the ants doing? Peony buds have sweet sap (nectar) and the sap attracts ants and other insects, but these insects are not required to help open up the bud. The ants are also not hurting the peonies, so it's best to leave them alone.

Peonies do have specific requirements in order to have plenty of blooms:

Planting depth: Not too deep - buds should only be one to two inches below the soil. If you plant deeper, you'll get lots of leaves, but very few flowers.

Moving/Dividing: It may take up to 2-3 years for peonies to bloom after they've been moved and/or divided.

Fertilizing: If peonies are fertilized with high amounts of nitrogen, you'll get plenty of leaves, but fewer flowers.

Light: If your peonies get less than six hours of direct sunlight per day, you'll get fewer blooms.

Resources to help you care for peonies:

Peony Care (University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County)

Search Backyard Farmer (Questions/Answers on Peonies)