Lobels Catchfly.—­See “Silene.”

London Pride.—­See “Saxifrage.”

Lonicera.—­Hardy deciduous shrubs, which will grow in any ordinary soil, and produce their flowers in April or May.  They are propagated by cuttings planted in a sheltered position.  Prune as soon as flowering is over.  Height, from 3 ft. to 10 ft.

Lophospermum.—­Very elegant half-hardy climbers.  Planted against a wall in the open air, or at the bottom of trellis-work, they will flower abundantly in June, but the protection of a greenhouse is necessary in winter.  They like a rich, light soil, and may be grown from seeds sown on a slight hotbed in spring, or from cuttings taken young and placed under glass.  Height, 10 ft.

Love Apples.—­See “Tomatoes.”

Love Grass.—­See “Eragrostis.”

Love-in-a-Mist.—­See “Nigella.”

Love-lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus Caudatus).—­A hardy annual bearing graceful drooping racemes of crimson blossom.  The seed should be sown in the open at the end of March, and thinned out or transplanted with a good ball of earth.  Makes a fine border plant.  Height, 2 ft.

Luculia Gratissima.—­A fine plant either for the wall or border.  It grows well in a compost of peat and light, turfy loam, but it is not suitable for pot culture.  During growing time abundance of water is needed.  When flowering has ceased, cut it hard back.  It may be increased by layering, or by cuttings placed in sand under glass and subjected to heat.  It flowers in August.  Height, 8 ft.

Lunaria.—­See “Honesty.”

Lupins.—­Though old-fashioned flowers, these still rank among our most beautiful annual and herbaceous border plants.  They may be grown in any soil, but a rich loam suits them best.  The seed germinates freely when sown in March, and the flowers are produced in July.  Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Lychnis.—­Hardy perennials which, though rather straggling, deserve to be cultivated on account of the brilliancy of their flowers.  L. Chalcedonica, commonly known as Ragged Robin, is perhaps the most showy variety; but L. Viscaria Plena, or Catchfly, is a very beautiful plant.  They grow freely in light, rich, loamy soil, but need dividing frequently to prevent them dwindling away.  The best season for this operation is early in spring.  Beyond the care that is needed to prevent the double varieties reverting to a single state, they merely require the same treatment as other hardy perennials.  They flower in June and July.  Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Lyre Flower.—­See “Dielytra.”

Lysimachia Clethroides.—­This hardy perennial has something of the appearance of a tall Speedwell.  When in flower it is attractive, and as it blooms from July on to September it is worth a place in the border.  A deep, rich loam is most suitable for its growth, and a sheltered position is of advantage.  The roots may be divided either in November or early in spring.  Height, 3 ft.