Adonis vernalis (Pheasant's Eye, False Hellebore, Ox Eye)

Michael's Opinion

Genus is named after the Greek figure Adonis, who was killed by a wild boar but because of his beauty, turned into a flower by Goddess Aphrodite.

Botanical Information

FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusAdonis
Speciesvernalis
CategoryBulbs, Perennials
OriginNative to central and southern Europe.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5a - 9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - 7
Temperature (°F)-20 - 20
Height15 - 30 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA short, stout herbaceous perennial.
ShapeShort, stout and clump forming.
LandscapeBorder front, groundcover or in rock gardens.
PropagationDivision in early spring or autumn. Propagated by seed but will be slow to flower. Any specimens with two flowers are likely sterile.
CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained alkaline soil.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatMountain meadows, steppes and limestone slopes.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems are scaly below.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are oval with linear lobes.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are large, golden yellow and 8 cm in diameter with 12 - 20 petals.
Fruit DescriptionAn achene to 5.5 mm long that is densely pubescent.
Texture DescriptionSoft.

Photographs