How to Grow Red Lion
Wikimedia Commons
Red Lion
Dianthus chinensis 'Red Lion'
flowerRed Lion is a vibrant, compact annual or short-lived perennial dianthus (pink) prized for its brilliant scarlet-red flowers and sturdy, bushy growth habit. It produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and is excellent for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. This cultivar is known for its disease resistance and long flowering period with minimal deadheading required.
When should you plant Red Lion in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Lion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Red Lion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Red Lion blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Lion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-10; performs best in cool to warm climates with good air circulation
Sign up free to see if Red Lion grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Red Lion timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny, thin stems with narrow cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Plants are delicate and low-growing.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Ensure bright light to prevent leggy growth. Provide good air circulation. Do not overwater or plants may dampen off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksBushy, compact mounding growth with fine, grass-like foliage. Stems thicken and branch. Plant develops dense structure.
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Begin fertilizing weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer. Pinch back tips if needed to encourage bushiness. Move transplants to larger containers if necessary.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (early to mid-summer through fall)Dense clusters of small, ruffled scarlet-red double or semi-double flowers appear at branch tips. Flowers are fragrant and continuously produced.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, though Red Lion is less dependent on deadheading than some varieties. Continue regular watering and feeding. Ensure good air circulation.
Peak Bloom & Maturity
4-8 weeksPlant is fully bushy and covered with vibrant scarlet flowers. Blooming is prolific and continuous in cool conditions.
Maintain consistent watering and fertilizing. Watch for heat stress in very hot climates; afternoon shade may extend blooming. Monitor for pests and diseases. Deadhead occasionally for neatness.
Late Season & Decline
Variable; until frost in cool zones or into winter in mild zonesBloom production slows in intense heat or as temperatures cool in fall. Foliage may yellow if grown as annual in winter-cold zones.
In warm climates, Red Lion may persist as a short-lived perennial; elsewhere, it ends with frost. Collect seed if desired. Remove plants after frost or when flowering stops.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen.
-
and
Remove debris and mulch around plants. Hand-pick at night. Use copper barriers or slug baits. Encourage beneficial predators like ground beetles.
-
Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
-
Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed. Remove affected leaves. Spray early in morning.
-
Prevent with well-draining soil and careful watering. Avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage with amendments.
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryRed Lion dianthus petals are edible and add a spicy, clove-like flavor and striking color to salads, desserts, and beverages. They should be grown without pesticides if intended for consumption. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdRed Lion is excellent for fresh flower arrangements and bouquets due to its vibrant color, long vase life, and abundant blooms. It pairs well with complementary greens and other cut flowers. [source]
Flower Drying & Pressing
CraftThe flowers can be dried in a cool, dark place or pressed between paper for use in dried arrangements, crafts, cards, and botanical pressing projects. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeRed Lion dianthus attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, making it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations and beneficial insects. [source]
Herbal Tea & Traditional Use
MedicinalDianthus flowers have been used traditionally in herbal medicine and tea preparations, though culinary dianthus varieties are preferred. Consult herbalists before medicinal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers: harvest in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. Pinch or cut back individual spent flower clusters to encourage more blooms. For seed collection: allow flowers to fade and dry on plant; collect dried seed pods when brown and crispy, then dry further indoors before storing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Lion dianthus is a descendant of the Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis), which was cultivated in Asia for over 2,000 years before being introduced to Europe in the 17th century.
- 🌱 The fragrant, spicy clove scent of dianthus flowers comes from volatile compounds and inspired the old-fashioned name 'gillyflower,' derived from 'giroflée' (the French word for clove).
- 🌱 Red Lion is notably more compact and disease-resistant than older dianthus varieties, making it a modern improvement in ornamental horticulture.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Red Lion planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Lion seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Red Lion timeline →