Adonis-amurensisThis native of Japan and Manchuria is a herbaceous perennial and member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes anemone, delphinium, and hellebore. It has many branched stems bearing three to six inch long triangular leaves that are ternately compound. The flowers appear singly in spring and are two inches across with twenty to fifty petals each. Although usually yellow, the petals may be white, rose, or have red stripes. Pheasant’s eye needs six weeks of temperatures below 40 F for the rhizomes to break dormancy in spring and often blooms as early as February. Plants go dormant again by mid-summer so planting plans should include selections to cover the bare spot that is created. A good choice for rock gardens or front of the border but should be massed for a good floral display.

.
Type: Herbaceous perennial

Bloom: Single flowers in early spring with twenty to fifty petals, usually yellow, but may be rose, white, or with red stripes;

Size: 9-12” H x 12” W

Light: Full sun with afternoon shade in the South

Soil: Average, moderately moist, well-drained

Hardiness: Zones 4-7

Care: Low maintenance

Pests and Diseases: Slugs

Propagation: Seed, division in spring

Companion plants: Early iris, crocus, spring bulbs

Outstanding Selections:
‘Flora-plena (double form)
‘Fukuju Kai’ (earliest variety to bloom)

By Karen