The thing I love about peonies is that they are undemanding. The only true requirement they have is full sun.
The rest is easy. Peonies can thrive in almost any type of soil. They can get by with minimal watering and feeding. And they don’t need expensive pruning.
Yet, even this tough perennial isn’t resistant to pest attacks!
Aphids can wreak havoc on your peonies, so you need to protect them. The good news is that there is one plant you can grow near it to deter pests.
What plant is it?
It’s Mint!
Like the title says, it’s mint!
This fragrant herb has many benefits in your garden. Its strong menthol scent that we all love will repel garden pests in an instant.
But that’s not all it can do!
Mint will attract bees to your garden and help pollinate your peonies. You only need to have the basic knowledge of mint care.
Watering mint the right way is crucial. This herb loves moisture, so make sure to give it plenty whenever the soil feels dry.
Here is more information about how this herb can keep your garden pest-free and bee-loaded!
The Herb That Keeps Pests Away
Understanding the peony growing stages is useful. But all the knowledge in the world can’t help you against pesky bugs.
One thing can, though – mint!
This herb contains menthol that can repel various pests. Aphids, stored grain pests, and even mosquitoes. (1)
It will discourage common peony pests and keep these flowers safe. So, bring mint plants close to your peony, and you’ll get rid of aphids in the blink of an eye.
You can also try using mint essential oils or solutions if you don’t have this herb in your garden.
Yet, the scent of this herb isn’t the only thing that repels pests. Mint can attract natural pest predators, such as ladybugs and parasitoid wasps.
These beneficial bugs will deal with your aphid infestation in an instant.
Mint – The Pollinator Magnet
Do you love growing your own plants from seed? Do you love harvesting those seeds yourself? Well, news flash! You need pollination for that.
So, if you want to harvest peony seeds, your plant first needs to produce them.
The good news is that mint will attract bees closer to your peonies. These insects will move pollen from flower to flower, ensuring fertilization. And that’s how you get viable seeds.
Mint flowers are fragrant and rich in pollen – something that all bees enjoy.
And it’s not just the bees. Butterflies, beetles, and solitary wasps love mint nectar, too. So, you can create a nice little pollinator garden with this one herb.
The Danger This Herb Poses
But mint isn’t without risks! This herb can spread like crazy and invade your garden before your very eyes.
It can choke out your other plants, stealing moisture, space, and nutrients from them.
So, what can you do to reap its benefits and still keep your garden safe from invasion?
Well, you can plant it in containers. Strawberry mint is an excellent choice. It doesn’t need too much attention, yet it brings plenty of benefits.
Keep your mint in planters and move it closer to your peonies. That way, there’s no danger for your plants.
Or you can use mint essential oil or mint mixture to keep pests at bay!
References:1. Kumar, P., Mishra, S., Malik, A., & Satya, S. (2011).
Insecticidal Properties of Mentha Species: A Review. Industrial Crops and Products.