I did a little googling and peonies are not a plant that needs bugs (like ants) to open. The ants are apparently present simply to enjoy the sweet sappy drops on these buds.
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...
One of my first "gardening memories is my aunt cutting white peonies and putting them in water with food coloring and we watched them turn colors" Love them!