Pheasant's Eye
adonis annua
Also known as: ["pheasant's eye","pheasant's-eye adonis","summer adonis"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual plant with bright red flowers and distinctive yellow centers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Adonis |
| Botanical Name: | Adonis annua |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny, open position
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid overwatering in heavy soils; test pH if growth issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates and may go dormant in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in warm conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly or take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Keep consistently moist.
- Provide bottom heat if needed.
- Transplant once established.
Best Time: Early spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), humid environment with bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional for cuttings but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings typically root in 3–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, rooting hormone, pruning shears, misting bottle, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; provide consistent moisture for cuttings; avoid disturbing roots during transplanting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or lateral branch; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years; Adonis annua prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach roots; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late summer to early spring); increase frequency during active growth (spring to early summer) to keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or failure to flower in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or induce dormancy; frost can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid fertilizing dormant plants.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once a month during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAdonis annua is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can lead to serious cardiac and gastrointestinal issues. Cats are particularly sensitive to such compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Adonis annua can cause significant toxicity in dogs, affecting the heart and digestive system. Symptoms can be severe and require immediate veterinary attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAdonis annua contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Adonis annua toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Adonis annua is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: What are the typical growing conditions for Adonis annua?
A: It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, often found in meadows and grasslands.
Q: Does Adonis annua attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
