Don't worry about it. The ants are attracted to the sugars on the buds. They do not hurt nor help the plant to bloom.

Thank you!

I am so excited to have (had) two big healthy buds on my peony that has been planted for a couple years. It hadn't bloomed yet, so last year I learned I probably planted it too deep. So I raised it, and looks like it will bloom. But, upon closer look, one of the buds had a hole bored right thru it. What would cause that? So far the other one is ok. I did find a big black ant on it.

Wanda,
A couple of years ago I found a hole in one of my peony buds. Turned out it was some type of worm. I got that worm out!! The bud opened with some half-gone petals, but was still beautiful.

No worries with ants on peonies.

Judye