R Leonis is a fine variable, quite suitable for beginners, as the brightness and the colour are quite remarkable.

The star is one of the earliest to be established as a long-range variable, in 1782. Its range usually fluctuates from about 5, perhaps even 4.5, to a minimum of about 10 or 11. The average period is 310 days.

The star has an unusually deep red, sometimes described as purple and as it is encircled by brighter white stars (18, 19, 21 Leo) the contrast is even greater.

In 2000 the maximum should occur in late February.

The star is five degrees west of alpha Leo, thus in the same field of vision: binoculars.