Summer Pheasant's Eye (Adonis aestivalis)

Adonis aestivalis

This annual herb grows 20 to 50 cm tall. The large flowers, 2–3 cm across, are bright brick-red, often with a black spot at their base. It blooms from May to July. In our region, it grows in warm areas as a field weed. It is endangered! It is also a poisonous plant. Pheasant's eye contains the poisonous glycoside adonin. However, pheasant's eye is a very beautiful and decorative plant. It is used in rock gardens and mixed plantings.

How to Grow Pheasant's Eye

• The plants thrive in sunny and warm locations. They tolerate drought very well.

• Sow seeds early in spring. Sowing should be shallow.

• Requires light, nutrient-rich, well-draining, calcareous soils.

• Fertilizing the plant is not necessary. We can apply universal NPK water-soluble fertilizer.

• The plant is often eaten by slugs.