(Adonis aestivalis ‘Pheasant's Eye’)

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Pheasant's Eye is a tender perennial flower native to the Mediterranean but can be found growing in the western United States as an annual. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 24” and features branching stems, green fern-like leaves, and 8 petaled flowers that range in color (scarlet red, orange, and yellow) with a purple spot at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!  

  • General Information
  • Germination
  • Seedlings
  • Harvesting
  • Seed Saving
  • Medicinal
  • Companion Planting
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Family: Ranunculaceae

Genus: Adonis

Species: aestivalis

Variety: Pheasant's eye

Also Known As: Summer Pheasant's Eye, Adonis’ Flower, and Blood-drops .

Native to: Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Krym, Morocco, Nepal, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, South European Russi, Spain, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, West Himalaya, Xinjiang, Yugoslavia

Introduced into: California, Czechoslovakia, Idaho, Montana, Netherlands, New York, Oregon, Utah.

Ease of Growing: Easy

Grown as: Annual
 
Maturity (Blooms): Summer

Light: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium. Moist Soil.

Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil.

Attracts Beneficial Insects: Pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles.

Containers: Grows well as a container plant. 

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Height: 8-24"
 
Spacing: 9-12”

Sow Depth: 1/4"
 
USDA Zone: 3a-9b

Produces: branching stems, green fern-like leaves, and 8 petaled flowers that range in color (scarlet red, orange, and yellow) which have a purple spot at their base.

Toxicity: A toxic principle is present in very small quantities in the plant. It is poorly absorbed so poisoning is unlikely. The plant is poisonous to horses.
For direct sowing, scatter the seeds in prepared soil either in late fall or early spring. The seed can also be started indoors, about ¼” below the surface; keep the temperature at 65 - 70 degrees F. The soil should be consistently moist and protected from the hottest rays of the sun. Germination usually takes place within 30-40 days; though they germinate slowly, the plants are hardy grow quickly. After the last frost of spring, transplant the seedlings 9-12” apart in well drained, rich soil and full sun or partial shade.
Keep the plants well watered, preventing the soil from drying out. Pheasant’s Eye plants tend to fall over easily, and may need the support of other plants or stakes to prevent damage. Deadheading the flowers will prolong their blooming. Since this plant reseeds itself easily, removing the wilted flowers also prevents volunteer seedlings. Pheasant’s Eye also grows well as a container plant.
For cut flowers, harvest blossoms that have just opened; leave a long stem.
Remove the seed heads as soon as they mature and begin to turn dry and brown. Spread them out to finish drying, then thresh them to remove the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
The plant is a cardiotonic, diuretic and stimulant. Some caution is advised in the use of this remedy, see the notes above on toxicity. The flowers are considered to be diuretic, laxative and lithontripic.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) makes for a superb border mix with Pheasant's Eye.