Lagurus Ovatus.--This hardy annual is commonly known as Hare's-Tail
Grass. It is distinctly ornamental, producing elegant egg-shaped tufts
of a silvery-white hue, and is fine for ornamenting bouquets. Sow in
March, and keep the ground moist till the seed germinates. Height, 1
ft.
Lallemantia Canescens.--Bees are very fond of this blue hardy annual,
which may readily be grown from seed sown in the spring. Height, 1 ft.
Lamium.--These plants are mostly of a hardy herbaceous description and
of little value. They will grow well in any kind of soil, flowering
from March to July, according to their varieties, and can be
propagated by seed or division. Height, 6 in. to 1 ft.
Lantana.--These dwarf, bushy, half-hardy perennial shrubs bear
Verbena-like blossoms. They like a dry and warm situation and rich,
light soil. The seed is sown in March to produce summer and autumn
blooming plants. If cuttings are placed in sand, in heat, they will
take root easily. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.
Lapageria Rosea.--A beautiful climbing plant which bears large
rose-coloured flowers in May. It can be grown in any light, rich soil,
but a compost of leaf-mould, sand, and peat suits it best. It makes
a very desirable greenhouse plant, and can be increased either by
cuttings or by division. Lapagerias require partial shade, plenty of
water, and good drainage. Height, 10 ft.
Lardizabala Biternata.--This climbing shrub has fine ornamental
foliage. It is most suitable for a south or west aspect, where it
proves hardy; in other positions protection should be afforded. It
will grow in any good soil. May is the month in which it flowers.
Height, 20 ft.
Larkspur.--The Stock-flowered Larkspur is of the same habit as the
Dutch Rocket, but has longer spikes and larger and more double
flowers. The Hyacinth-flowered is an improved strain of the Rocket.
Among other of the hardy annual varieties may be mentioned the
Candelabrum-formed, the Emperor, and the Ranunculi-flowered. They are
charming flowers for beds or mixed borders, and only require the same
treatment as ordinary annuals, when they will flower in June. Height,
1 ft. to 2-1/2 ft. For perennial Larkspurs, _see_ "Delphinium."
Lasiandra.--Stove evergreen shrubs, flourishing best in a mixture of
equal parts of loam, peat, and sand. They are propagated by cuttings
of the young wood, plunged in heat. July is their flowering month.
Height, 5 ft.
Lasthenia.--A hardy annual of a rather pretty nature, suitable for
flower-beds or borders. Autumn is the best time for sowing the seed,
but it may also be sown early in the spring. It blooms in May. Height,
1 ft.
Lathyrus.--Handsome plants when in flower, the larger kinds being well
adapted as backgrounds to other plants in the shrubbery, where they
will require supports. They may be planted in any garden soil, and can
be increased by seed, and some of the perennial kinds by division of
the root. L. Latifolia (Everlasting Pea) flowers in August, other
varieties at different times, from May onwards. Height, 1 ft. to 8 ft.
Laurel.--Laurels will grow in any good garden soil. They are grown
both as bushes and standards, and require but little attention beyond
watering. The standards are produced by choosing a young Portugal
plant and gradually removing the side-shoots on the lower part of the
stem, and when the desired height is reached a well-balanced head is
cultivated, any eyes that break out on the stem being rubbed off
with the thumb. Lauro Rotundifolia is beyond dispute the best of all
Laurels; it is of free growth and of dense habit, and its leaves are
roundish and of a lively green. (_See also_ "Epigaea.") All Laurels
may be propagated by cuttings and by layers, the latter being the plan
usually adopted.