Adonis Flammea is also known as Summer Pheasant's-eye. It is a striking annual summer flower that immediately catches the eye with its brilliant scarlet, buttercup-like blooms and distinctive black centres. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage gives the plant a light and elegant appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for borders, wildflower meadows, naturalistic gardens, and containers. In addition, the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Under favourable conditions, the plant readily self-seeds, allowing it to establish itself naturally in wildlife-friendly gardens. The plants remain compact, reaching a height of 25 to 40 cm, depending on growing conditions. They look most impressive when planted in groups, where their vivid red flowers provide a striking contrast among other summer-flowering plants. The intense scarlet blooms stand out beautifully against the fresh green, finely cut foliage, creating a colourful display throughout the summer.
Adonis Flammea grows best in a sunny position in well-drained, fertile soil, preferably containing some lime. It does not tolerate prolonged wet conditions. Seeds can be sown from March to May, either directly where the plants are to grow or after an early indoor sowing. As an annual, it flowers in the same year it is sown. In short, Adonis Flammea is an easy-to-grow, richly flowering annual that combines vibrant colour with a natural appearance. It is an excellent addition to borders, flower beds, and wildlife gardens. Because it self-seeds readily, it is especially suitable for naturalistic planting schemes. Gardeners without a garden can also enjoy this beautiful flower, as it grows well in pots and containers on patios and balconies. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continued flowering. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Adonis Flammea flowers from June till August. Non hardy annual. Heigth: 25 - 40 cm.
Indoor sowing: end of March - end of April
Outdoor sowing: April - May
Germination: 20 - 30 days
Germination temp.: 16 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: ½ - 1cm
Plant distance: 20 - 30 cm
Sowing distance in rows: 10 cm
Plant position: sunny
Flowering period: June - August
Sow the seeds indoors from late March to late April in seed trays or individual pots filled with a light, free-draining seed compost. Cover the seeds with a ½ - 1 cm layer of fine compost and moisten the soil carefully. For successful germination, maintain a constant temperature of 16 - 20 °C, especially during the night. Cover the trays or pots with a transparent lid or plastic film to maintain high humidity. Keep the compost evenly moist throughout the germination period, but avoid waterlogging. Germination takes approximately 20 - 30 days. Remove the cover as soon as the seedlings emerge and place them in a bright, cool position to encourage sturdy growth. Harden off the young plants for 10 - 14 days in early May before transplanting. From mid-May, once all danger of frost has passed, plant them outdoors in a sunny position, spacing the plants 20 - 30 cm apart.
Seeds can also be sown directly outdoors from April to May. Sow thinly in rows 10 cm apart or broadcast sow for a more natural appearance. Cover the seeds with ½ - 1 cm of fine soil and keep the soil evenly moist and free of weeds during germination. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 20 - 30 cm apart to give each plant sufficient space to develop. Scarlet Pimpernel grows best in a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil. After flowering, a few plants may be left to set seed. Under favourable conditions, the plants self-seed readily, allowing them to return naturally in wildlife-friendly gardens. When sown in spring, Adonis Flammea flowers abundantly from June till August. Its striking deep scarlet flowers with black centres attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects, making this colourful annual an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, natural gardens, and pollinator-friendly borders.
