Pheasant's Eye Adonis 'Fukujukai'

Water

The Adonis plant, commonly known as pheasant's eye, should be watered deeply but infrequently, only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During active growth in the spring and summer months, this might translate to approximately once a week, depending on climate conditions such as heat and humidity. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly, which could be around 1 gallon for a medium-sized plant growing in the ground. During the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency further to prevent overwatering and potential root rot. It’s vital to ensure that the pot or area where the plant is growing has adequate drainage to allow excess water to escape.

Light

Pheasant's eye thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for the plant is where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but it should also be protected from the intense, hot afternoon sun which can be too harsh for the plant. Dappled sunlight is excellent for areas with particularly strong sunlight, and a little afternoon shade can prevent potential leaf burn.

Temperature

Pheasant's eye prefers temperate conditions and performs well in a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but should be protected from harsh frosts. Pheasant’s eye's ideal growing conditions are in an environment that does not frequently experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Pheasant's eye may require minimal pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage, typically after blooming or in late fall to prepare for winter dormancy. Pruning promotes healthy growth and improves air circulation. It is best to prune the plant after the flowers have faded, cutting back the spent flowering stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning once a year is generally adequate for this plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pheasant's eye (Adonis 'Fukujukai') prefers a well-draining soil mix with equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Pheasant's eye should generally be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and address any root crowding. Repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Pheasant's eye thrives in moderate humidity levels; providing a humidity level between 40% to 60% is beneficial for the plant's growth and health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Pheasant's eye near a bright window, out of direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Plant Pheasant's eye in partial shade with rich, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-7 USDA

Life cycle

Adonis 'Fukujukai', commonly known as pheasant’s eye or false hellebore, starts its life cycle with seed germination that requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling develops a root system and a rosette of leaves on the soil surface. Over time, the plant establishes a strong root system and begins to form buds that will produce its distinctive yellow flowers. Flowering typically occurs in the spring when daylight hours increase, and temperatures are favorable. After the bloom, the plant sets seeds which are then dispersed to start new plants. Eventually, as the weather warms in summer, Adonis 'Fukujukai' becomes dormant and its foliage dies back, conserving energy in its roots to repeat the cycle the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Adonis 'Fukujukai', commonly known as pheasant's eye, is a perennial plant that is most effectively propagated through seed collection in the fall. To propagate Adonis 'Fukujukai', collect the seeds as soon as they mature, which typically occurs in late summer or early fall. Clean and dry the seeds before storing them in a cool, dry place over the winter. Come spring, sow the seeds in a cold frame or directly into a well-prepared seed bed, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Ensure consistent moisture until germination occurs, which will happen when temperatures are sufficiently warm, typically in late spring or early summer. Seedlings should be handled with care due to their delicate nature and can be transplanted to their final location once they're large enough to handle and the danger of frost has passed.