How to Grow Houseleek 'Red Lion'
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Houseleek 'Red Lion'
Sempervivum 'Red Lion'
succulentSempervivum 'Red Lion' is a hardy succulent forming dense rosettes of fleshy leaves that deepen from green to rich burgundy-red, especially in cool seasons and with sun exposure. This evergreen perennial is drought-tolerant and produces tall flower spikes with star-shaped pink flowers in summer. It is extremely low-maintenance and suitable for rock gardens, containers, and living roofs.
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Example Houseleek 'Red Lion' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Houseleek 'Red Lion'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Houseleek 'Red Lion'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; extremely cold-hardy
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Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung rosettes are compact, 1-2 inches across, with green leaves beginning to show red pigmentation
Plant in spring. Water minimally until roots establish (2-3 weeks). Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering.
Vegetative Growth
Several months to 2 yearsRosettes expand to full size (2-3 inches diameter), leaves deepen in red coloration, especially with cool nights and full sun
Maintain dry conditions. No fertilizer needed. Remove dead leaves at base. Monitor for rot in humid climates.
Flowering Preparation
2-4 weeks before floweringMature rosettes develop a central flower bud; the flowering rosette may swell slightly as energy directs to reproduction
Continue dry care. Support tall flower spikes if needed in windy locations. Expect one main rosette per plant to flower.
Flowering
4-6 weeksTall flower spikes (6-8 inches) emerge with star-shaped pale pink or rose flowers; blooming rosette is monocarpic (dies after flowering)
Deadhead spent flowers if desired, but allow some to set seed. The flowering rosette will naturally decline. Offset rosettes continue growing.
Post-Flowering & Offset Production
OngoingOriginal flowering rosette dies back; numerous small offset rosettes surround the base, expanding the colony
Remove dead rosette material. Offset rosettes will mature and flower in subsequent years, creating a self-perpetuating colony.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Ensure excellent air circulation. Repot in fresh soil if infestation is severe.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and minimal watering. Remove affected rosettes and repot in dry, gritty soil. Do not overwater.
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Increase air circulation. Mist occasionally in very hot, dry conditions. Spray with neem oil if severe.
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Less problematic in well-drained sites. Remove by hand in the evening. Create barriers of coarse sand or gravel.
Uses
Rock Gardens & Alpine Displays
Ornamental'Red Lion' is prized for its striking burgundy-red color and architectural rosette form. It thrives in rocky, well-drained settings and adds textural interest year-round. [source]
Container & Potted Gardening
HouseholdIts compact size and low water needs make 'Red Lion' perfect for shallow pots, troughs, and succulent arrangements both indoors and outdoors. [source]
Green Roofs & Living Roofs
HouseholdIts extreme hardiness, drought tolerance, and shallow roots make Sempervivum a classic choice for extensive green roof systems and sedum mats. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSempervivum species have a long history in folk medicine for treating minor skin irritations and burns; the fresh juice is sometimes applied topically. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe pink summer flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local insect populations while requiring no maintenance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Sempervivum 'Red Lion' is not harvested but enjoyed for ornamental display. Cut flower spikes at their base once blooming finishes if desired. Harvest offsets in spring or early summer by gently separating them and replanting in fresh gritty soil—they root easily within 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sempervivum means 'always living' in Latin—the plant is nearly indestructible and can survive extreme temperature fluctuations, drought, and poor soil, even thriving on rocky mountain slopes.
- 🌱 'Red Lion' deepens to its most vibrant burgundy color in cool seasons (fall and winter) and with maximum sun exposure; this color change is a natural cold-hardiness response.
- 🌱 Sempervivum is monocarpic at the rosette level—each rosette flowers once and then dies—but the plant lives on indefinitely through numerous offset 'chicks' that continuously form around the mother rosette, creating ever-expanding colonies.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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