Lovely Plant Specimens Starting With The Letter L

• Lagerstroemia - Crepe Myrtle - This genus consists of around fifty members. The family produces some of the most vibrant blooms in the late spring and throughout the summer months. The Crepe Myrtle is native to southern and eastern Asia, and also Australia. The indica variety is the pride of India. In the United States, this specie does well in zones six through ten.

  The Crepe Myrtle will thrive in full sun and well drained soil. The specimens should be sheltered from strong winds. One of the most unique aspects of the Crepe Myrtle is its smooth trunk. In the learning center section, there is a page on tree trunks and a picture of a Crepe Myrtle trunk. In the southern photo gallery page, there are a couple more lovely photos of the Crepe Myrtle. The timber from the trunk can be used in shipbuilding.

• Lantana - this family has around one hundred and fifty specimens. Lantana is actually in the Verbena family and native to warmer regions of the Americas, with a few varieties in southern Africa. In cooler climates, many of these specimens can be put into beds for the summer months. Greenhouses and conservatories are a popular place for the plants. Lantana loves well drained soil and full sun. There are many varieties of colors to choose from. Some of the species look stunning in mass planting.
• Lavandula - Lavender - Around twenty five species make up this lovely family. Native to the Mediterranean region and Atlantic islands, Lavender will also grow naturally in many parts of Europe. Lavender grows well in zones six through ten in the United States. These species are fragrant and evergreen. They will mature to around thirty six inches tall and a highlight is the purple to mauve tone flowers. This specie is wonderful also in a mass planting. Sachets are made for the aroma of the leaves and flowers. Lavender loves well drained soil and full sun. It will survive in acid base or alkaline soil conditions. I have grown different varieties of Lavender in the greenhouse and a definite gem for gardens and landscape areas.
• Leonotis - A member of the Mint family and is made up of around thirty species. The plants can be annuals, perennials, sub-shrubs, and shrubs. Leonotis is native to southern and tropical South Africa. There is one specie that will grow in southern Asia and America. This family loves full sun and well drained soil. You can prune back the plants in early spring. Leonotis can mature six feet tall. The flowers emerge in late summer throughout the fall season. The flowers are tubular and have a lovely orange tone. Great specimen as the leaves are fragrant. The family will grow in zones nine through eleven in the United States.
• Leptospermum - Tea Tree - This genus is made up of evergreen shrubs and small trees. Tea trees are native to both Australia and New Zealand. They can survive in zones eight through eleven in the United States, and California is known for growing these specimens. There are also a few of the eighty varieties that will grow in the U.K. Pretty pink flowers line the branches in the spring and summer months. This family prefers mild winter climates, full sun and well drained soil. Some varieties can reach twenty feet tall. The Australian Tea Tree is a bushy shrub that grows along the coastline. In South Africa this shrub can be unpleasant to some areas.



• Ligustrum - Privet - There are about fifty species that make up this family. Native to Asia, Europe, North Africa. The Privet also grows in the woodlands of Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. The Ligustrum grows well in zones seven through eleven in the United States. The Privet thrives in well drained soil and can take sun or shade. This is an evergreen shrub and the roots will spread. These are fast growers and can self sow very easily. Not a good foundation plant, but can be showy in an garden or landscape setting.
• Lobelia - There are around three hundred and sixty five to seventy species of this genus. The genus consist of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Native to North and South America and also Africa. Many people know the Lobelia as perennial or annual flower, but some varieties will mature thirty feet high. Lobelia thrives in sun or partial shade, and loves light soil with rich, natural compost. Dead-heading the flowers will give you continual bloom throughout the growing season.

• Lonicera - Honeysuckle - About one hundred and eighty species make up this lovely family. Honeysuckle is invasive and can take over wooded areas. It is native to China, Japan and other countries. Lonicera grows well in zones four through nine and ten in the United States.

  In late spring you know the yellow and white flowers have arrived as the aroma is wonderful. These species can grow in sun or shade and they benefit from regular pruning. Honeysuckle will adapt to a variety of soil conditions. The gallery of plants section has a page on the Honeysuckle.

The letter L has many more varieties of lovely plants. These eight are just a few and as the list of plant section continues to grow, I hope each of the pages gives you a little more knowledge on the vast amount of species that grow around the world.