Summer pheasant's eye Adonis aestivalis
ABOUT
A. aestivalis is an annual, up to 40cm high, with feathery green leaves and blood-red flowers in summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Summer Pheasant's-eye, Summer Adonis, Red Morocco, Rose-a-ruby, Red Chamomile, Red Morocco Lily
Common names
Adonis annua, Adonis flammea, Adonis phoenicea, Adonis vernalis, Adonis aethiopis, Adonis vernalis var. annua, Chrysocyathus aestivalis, Chrysocyathus annuus, Chrysocyathus flammeus, Chrysocyathus phoeniceus.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Adonis aestivalis, commonly known as Summer Pheasant's-eye, is appreciated for its vibrant red flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought tolerance: Summer Pheasant's-eye is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Erosion control: Adonis aestivalis can be effective in preventing soil erosion due to its root system stabilizing the soil.
- Seasonal interest: Its seasonal blooming adds temporal diversity to plantings, with its peak flowering period in late spring to early summer providing a seasonal highlight.
- Traditional use: Historically, the plant has been used in traditional events and practices, such as being woven into wreaths for certain cultural ceremonies.
- Companion planting: Summer Pheasant's-eye can be part of a companion planting strategy, coexisting well with other plants and potentially benefiting them by attracting beneficial insects.
Medical Properties- Cardiotonic: Summer pheasant's eye has been used historically for its possible cardiotonic effects due to the presence of cardiac glycosides similar to those found in the related species, Adonis vernalis.
- Sedative: There are some references to its use in traditional medicine as a sedative, although clinical evidence and modern references to support this use are limited.
- Diuretic: The plant has been traditionally used to increase urine production, but this use has not been substantiated by modern clinical studies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The Adonis aestivalis, commonly known as the summer pheasant's-eye, can produce a red dye from its petals, which has been used historically for coloring textiles and crafts.
- Insect attractant in gardens: The bright flowers of the summer pheasant's-eye can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting pollination of surrounding plants.
- As a teaching tool in botany education: Due to its distinct morphological features, the summer pheasant's-eye can be used to teach students about the anatomy of flowering plants and their life cycles.
- Photography and art: The vibrant flowers of the summer pheasant's-eye make it a popular subject for photographers and artists who draw inspiration from its vivid colors and form.
- Ecosystem support: As a native wildflower, the summer pheasant's-eye can play a role in supporting local ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity.
- Soil stabilization: The root system of the summer pheasant's-eye can help prevent soil erosion in certain environments where the plant naturally occurs.
- Seasonal indicator: The blooming period of the summer pheasant's-eye is during the summer season, and it can serve as a phenological indicator signaling the time of year.
- Cultivation competition: Intentionally or accidentally, the summer pheasant's-eye can compete with agricultural crops for resources when present in fields, affecting yield.
- Habitat creation: The summer pheasant's-eye can create microhabitats within its structure for small insects and arthropods, contributing to a diverse microecosystem.
- Floral arrangements: Dried or fresh blooms of the summer pheasant's-eye may be used for decorative purposes in bouquets and ornamental displays.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Summer Pheasant's-eye is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Summer Pheasant's-eye is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The common name of Adonis aestivalis is "Summer Pheasant's Eye," and its association with the Greek god Adonis, who was famed for his attractiveness, lends this plant the symbolism of beauty and desire.
- Remembrance: The fleeting beauty of the Summer Pheasant's Eye, which has a relatively short bloom time, can symbolize the transient nature of life and the importance of remembrance.
- Loss and Mourning: Because Adonis is a mythological figure associated with death and rebirth, the Summer Pheasant's Eye can also be a symbol of mourning, expressing sorrow for the lost or departed.
- Rebirth: The plant's growth cycle and link to the story of Adonis, who died and was reborn, makes it a symbol of regeneration and the cyclical nature of existence.
WaterSummer Pheasant's Eye should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this means watering every 7 to 10 days, with about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the climate and soil drainage. A steady watering routine is crucial during the active growing season in the spring and early summer. It's important to avoid waterlogging the soil as this plant does not like to sit in wet conditions, which could lead to root rot.
LightSummer Pheasant's Eye prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area with morning sun and afternoon shade or a spot that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day, which helps protect it from the intense heat of midday sun.
TemperatureSummer Pheasant's Eye benefits from a temperate climate and does well in conditions that range from about 50°F to 75°F. While the plant can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 30°F, it is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage in colder conditions. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is within the range of 60°F to 70°F during its active growing season.
PruningSummer Pheasant's Eye benefits from occasional pruning to remove faded flowers and encourage more blooms. Pruning should be done after the peak blooming period, typically in late summer or early fall. Removal of dead or yellowed leaves also helps maintain the plant's appearance and health. Pruning is not usually necessary more than once per season unless the plant becomes unusually leggy or overgrown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSummer Pheasant's Eye thrives in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile, with a slight preference for alkaline conditions. A good soil mix would be composed of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part well-rotted compost or manure to ensure proper drainage and fertility. The ideal pH range for Summer Pheasant's Eye is between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingSummer Pheasant's Eye, being an annual, does not typically require repotting. It completes its life cycle within one year and therefore, once planted in appropriate soil, it will not need to be transferred to another pot. Instead, new seeds should be sown annually as desired.
Humidity & MistingSummer Pheasant's Eye prefers moderate humidity levels, as it is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool conditions, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleAdonis aestivalis, commonly known as summer pheasant's-eye, begins its life cycle as a seed which lies dormant in the soil until conditions are right for germination, typically in the spring. After germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a small plant, establishing a rosette of fern-like leaves at the ground level. As it matures, the plant develops a flowering stem and blooms with distinctive red flowers with a dark spot at the base of each petal, usually appearing from late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects attracted to the flowers, summer pheasant's-eye sets seed in the form of a capsule that contains several small seeds. These seeds are dispersed by various means such as wind or animals, and once they fall to the ground, they re-enter a period of dormancy until the next appropriate growing season. The plant is an annual, completing its life cycle within one year and relying on seed production for propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most common method of propagation for Adonis aestivalis, commonly known as summer pheasant's eye, is by seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden where they are to flower in late fall to allow a period of cold stratification, which aids germination. Alternatively, they can also be sown in early spring. To plant the seeds, scatter them on well-drained soil and cover them lightly with soil, at a depth of about 1/8 inch (approximately 3 millimeters). Seeds typically germinate in 21 to 30 days, depending on the temperature and conditions. Seedlings can then be thinned as necessary to allow each plant sufficient space to grow. Regular watering and ensuring that they are in a location that receives full sun to partial shade will help to establish these delicate annuals in the garden.
