Do peonies require carpenter ants to help with shedding their shells so the buds can open.?

i have had peonies in my yard for years and i do not have any carpenter ants around that area. Read this :


Planting Peonies


In most areas, plant peonies in a full sun location on well-drained soils. Peony roots will rot when planted in poorly drained soil. In hot summer climates, peonies survive best when planted where they receive part shade. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7. Space plants 1 to 5 feet apart, depending on the variety. Locate them away from windy areas but where the air freely flows so it will dry the foliage and help prevent disease. Amend the soil with compost before planting.





Dig a hole 18 inches wide and deep. Plant peonies so the crown (small, colored buds) is only 1 to 2 inches below the soil line. Backfill with soil mixed with compost, and water well. Although you may get a few flowers the first year, it may take 2 to 3 years for a new peony bush to flower fully

Do peonies require carpenter ants to help with shedding their shells so the buds can open.?
I was told that they do, because the buds are sticky and the ants eat the goo so the plant can open. However, although the person who told me this owned a flower shop and greenhouse, he was generally full of donkey dust on most subjects, and my peonies have always bloomed without benefit of ants. If you have peonies and they're not opening because of the sticky stuff, try very gently dabbing at them with a wet washcloth.
Reply:the ants are there because of aphids. Aphids excrete a sweet, sticky substance that the ants harvest for food.
Reply:I have been told that they don't require ants to bloom but it just seems a part of peonies. All my life I have associated ants and peonies, why change now.
Reply:no they only require good drained soil