6 Plants That Attract Ants

The proper selection and installation of garden plants can be a game-changer, especially if the landscape complements the home’s architectural design along with other structural features. A  design of this sort is inviting, with a picturesque beauty creating lasting impressions. Garden plants with various shapes, sizes, flowers, and colors can liven up an area as wildlife, pollinators, and beneficial insects are attracted to this type of environment that can be likened to mini-ecosystems.

However, amid this beauty, garden insect pests and ants will also show up to take advantage of all that your garden (a mini buffet) provides. This behavior of insects is a natural occurrence of biodiversity that works as a whole or unit to bring balance. With that said, there are steps to take that can help to discourage or lessen the presence of ants and garden insect pests that can become a nuisance, especially if there are huge infestations that must be addressed. We will be looking at 6 garden plants that attract ants and methods that can be implemented to bring complete control.

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Peonies

Peonies are a real show stopper. These garden beauties are amazing with their large, showy flower. Peonies can also be used as cut flowers in floral arrangements; some varieties give a mild fragrance, and besides their cluster of blooms, the glossy green leaves add to their overall appeal. However, ants are attracted to the buds of peonies, using them as a food source and feeding on the sap; therefore, it’s best to avoid planting peonies near the entrance of your home

A great plan of action is to spray peonies with a mixture of water and dish soap in a 32-oz spray bottle or place a sticky barrier around the base to prevent ants from climbing up. Keep your home clean and dispose of your garbage daily to discourage ants that will seek entry points into your home.

Try this Tanglefoot Sticky Barrier to stop ants from crawling up peony stems.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a great addition to your spring and summer garden with their beautiful flower bloom; these flowering plants will brighten up your garden. Hydrangeas are one of the most popular and easy-to-grow container or ornamental garden plants because of their large, mostly spherical flower heads that come in a wide array of colors, but like other plants, hydrangeas attract ants. The reason for this is that hydrangeas are a host plant of aphids, aphids are sucking insects that suck the plant’s sap or fluids.

Once the sap is ingested, the aphid then passes (excrement) the sap that converts to a sugary substance known as honeydew, and a black mold forms on this secretion known as sooty mold. Ants also use honeydew as a food source. To eliminate ants, apply insecticidal soap. This soap spray can be used both on outdoor and indoor plants. Before application, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

Consider Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap —  safe for flowers and vegetables.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a popular plant that is native to North America. What makes the sunflower stand out among garden plants is how large it grows, with its bright yellow flowers. Various birds eat the seeds of sunflowers, such as bluejays, sparrows, cardinals, starlings, juncos grosbeaks.

Ants love sunflowers because of the sweet nectar that is produced by this plant. To keep ants away, you can install sunflowers far from your house. A natural plant repellent like peppermint will help to bring ant control, and insecticidal soap can work as well. Before applying insecticidal soap, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

A great natural option is Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spray to keep ants away naturally.

Hostas

Hosta has been traced back as far as 800 years, growing in China’s shady forests. There are said to be about 40 species. Some species and cultivars are grown for their beautiful foliage (Leaves), which range in colors from variegated and yellow to light-to-dark green or blue. Hosta comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures.

Hostas contain honeydew deposits that attract ants and other pests. Ants use the help of sap-sucking insects or larvae to break down undigested sap and then use it as a food source. Eliminating other insect pests from hosta plants will help to eradicate ant infestation.

Sprinkle Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth — safe for pets and people, but deadly to ants

Daffodils

Daffodils are a hardy spring perennial plant. The flowers of daffodils are showy, and this popular plant not only grows outdoors but also indoors; however, daffodils are toxic to pets, so ensure that pets don’t venture into areas where daffodils are planted.

Daffodils produce a lovely scent that’s alluring to many insects, ants being among these insects. The base of the daffodil plant is usually swarming with ants in search of the plant’s sweet nectar. Because daffodils are one of ants’ favorites, it’s best to keep them planted far away from your home. Using a natural ant repellent, for example, cinnamon or vinegar. Insecticidal soap will also control ants.

Try EcoLogic Home Insect Killer with Essential Oils for a pet-safe and natural option.

Marigolds

Marigolds will give your garden that color pop, and these flowering plants will attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other small bird species because of their nectar. Marigolds come in a range of vibrant colors, from sunny yellow to fiery red.

Ants are drawn by the nectar and can be seen at times crawling around the base of marigolds. When installing these plants, do not plant too close to your house, or if planting close to your home, use a natural ant-repellent coffee or chili powder. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will bring ant control.

For long-lasting control, use Neem Oil by Garden Safe — an Amazon favorite for natural pest management.

Bonus Points Just for You

Mulches

Mulches are popular for providing that finishing touch to landscape and garden areas, but what also makes mulches a winner is the many benefits that mulches provide. Mulches help to suppress weeds, hold moisture, add nutrients to the soil, reduce competition, moderate temperature extremes, and protect the soil from erosion. However, ants find mulch to be beneficial because of the warmth and moisture mulch provides for their colonies.

Mulchs also provides a hideout for ants to protect their colonies from predators. Mulches will also attract carpenter ants, as these ant species love to live in decaying wood. To discourage ants, try to keep mulch as dry as possible to reduce moisture, or consider the use of inorganic mulches, for example, synthetic or man-made mulches, gravels, or rocks. If you prefer organic mulch, then ensure that the mulch is changed regularly to discourage ants from using it as a breeding ground.

Try Rock Mulch Landscaping Stones for a durable, ant-resistant alternative.

Wood Chips

Wood chips are another organic material that’s beneficial to enhancing the beauty of a garden, but like mulch, wood chips are a favorite of carpenter ants. Carpenter ants will make their tunnels inside wood chips and establish their shelters.

Ants will establish their colonies inside wood chips, organic matter, and rotting logs. When using organic material in your garden, it’s always best to apply an insecticide or a barrier around the boundaries of your home to prevent entry points from ants.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are ants attracted to certain plants in my garden?
Ants are mostly drawn to plants that offer something sweet—like nectar, honeydew from aphids, or sugary sap. Some plants even have special glands that naturally produce nectar outside their flowers (called extrafloral nectaries), which ants love to snack on!

2. Which common plants are known to attract ants?
Some popular ant-attracting plants include:

• Peonies (nectar on flower buds)

• Sunflowers (produce sugary sap)

• Okra and cotton (extrafloral nectaries)

• Tropical milkweed

• Passionflower vines
  These plants naturally offer food sources that ants find irresistible.

3. Do ants harm the plants they’re attracted to?
Not usually! Ants themselves don’t eat plants—but they may “farm” aphids or mealybugs that feed on your plants. So while ants aren’t the direct threat, their insect buddies might be. It’s a sneaky partnership that can get out of hand if not managed.

4. Are ants ever good for my garden?
Yes! Ants help aerate soil, recycle organic matter, and even protect some plants from pests. In moderation, they’re helpful little workers. The issue only arises when ant populations explode or they protect sap-sucking pests.

5. What are extrafloral nectaries, and why do they attract ants?
Extrafloral nectaries are sweet spots (literally) located on stems or leaves instead of inside flowers. These glands produce nectar specifically to lure in ants. In return, the ants may protect the plant from caterpillars or herbivores. Nature’s teamwork at its finest!

6. Can indoor plants attract ant,s too?
Yes, especially if they have sugary residue, nectar, or pest infestations like aphids or scale insects. Common indoor culprits include peace lilies, hibiscus, and orchids. If you see ants indoors, check for hidden pests or sticky spots on leaves.

7. Are ants attracted to flowering plants only?
Nope! While flowering plants are big attractions, ants are also drawn to non-flowering plants that host aphids, have sap leaks, or produce sweet secretions. Even trees like maples and black locust can become ant hangouts.

8. How can I naturally manage ants without harming my plants?
Here are a few gentle methods:

• Spray a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap on aphids.

• Use a ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of plants.

• Introduce ladybugs or lacewings to control aphid populations.

• Avoid overwatering, which can attract more insects and ants.

9. Should I remove plants that attract ants?
Not necessarily. Many of these plants offer beauty or even benefits. Instead, manage the ant situation with natural deterrents or pest control methods. If the ants become too much, you can relocate or replace a few plants selectively.

10. What are some ant-repelling plants I can grow instead?
If you want to keep ants away, consider planting:

• Mint

• Lavender

• Tansy

• Chrysanthemums

• Basil
  These plants have strong scents that naturally repel ants and other pests—plus, they’re garden-friendly and often useful in the kitchen or flower arrangements.

Conclusion

A well-designed garden can bring that wow. These oases are welcoming as we connect with nature in our mini eco-system, but with much biodiversity or activity, we must ensure that we do all that we can to discourage ants from taking up residence, which can lead to colonies being built that can lead to a huge infestation. This guide will help you to reduce or prevent any issues that can become and nuisance in your landscape, especially if they enter your home through entry points.