Summer Pheasant's Eye
adonis aestivalis
Also known as: ["pheasant's eye","red pheasant's eye","summer adonis"]
Overview
A small annual plant with bright red flowers and finely divided leaves, native to Europe and 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 aestivalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; occasional deadheading during bloom period.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct sunlight.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Avoid waterlogged soil; amend with grit for drainage; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); prefers cooler nights for optimal growth.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid lush foliage at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing when buds form to encourage blooming.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation; direct sow in fall or early spring for best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Thin seedlings once they have a few true leaves.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and soil is workable.
Environment
Warm, moist conditions with indirect light for germination; full sun once established.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as sandy loam with added perlite or vermiculite.
Hormone
Not required for seeds; rooting hormone may help if using cuttings (though less common for this species).
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; plants reach flowering size in one growing season.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, watering can, labels, and a light source (if starting indoors).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in groups to ensure germination; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; cut back old stems to the base if necessary.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage after flowering if untidy.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors; clean tools between uses to prevent disease spread.
Checklist
Deadhead regularly; sterilize tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth; dispose of pruned material away from the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots if pot-bound; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Not typically required as Adonis aestivalis is usually grown as an annual or biennial; if grown in containers, repot annually in spring.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot; prepare fresh soil mix; water plant before repotting; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure water penetrates deeply but does not pool.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during germination, then reduce frequency once established; allow soil to dry between waterings; increase slightly in extreme heat but avoid waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to heavy soils; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or failure to flower in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dormancy; frost can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid planting in late fall or early spring in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or premature seed set in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply to cool roots; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with leaves; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAdonis aestivalis is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a risk of poisoning or adverse health effects when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAdonis aestivalis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from exposure or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAdonis aestivalis is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Adonis aestivalis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How easy is it to grow Adonis aestivalis?
A: It is relatively easy to grow, requiring low maintenance.
Q: Does Adonis aestivalis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| 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
