Pheasant's
eye (Adonis autumnalis) was a precious old
garden friend, the colours of which reminded the Victorian
gardener of the pheasant. It was also known as rose-a-rubie
and red maythes (an old herbal name), or 'red camamill'
by country folk.
Despite
its name, Pheasant's eye was a summer flowering annual.
The seed could be sown at any time of the year, but
it should always be sown where the plant was to grow,
as Pheasant's Eye did not like to be transplanted. It
tolerated most soil, and even some shade, although it
blossomed most freely in sunshine.
