Linum (Flax).--This succeeds best in rich, light mould. The Linum
Flavum, or Golden Flax, is very suitable for pot culture; it grows 9
in. in height, and bears brilliant yellow flowers. It requires the
same treatment as other half-hardy perennials. The Scarlet Flax is an
annual, very free-flowering, and unsurpassed for brilliancy; easily
raised from seed sown in spring. Height, 11/2 ft. The hardy, shrubby
kinds may be increased by cuttings placed under glass. A mixture
of loam and peat makes a fine soil for the greenhouse and frame
varieties. They flower from March to July.
Lippia Reptans.--A frame creeping perennial which flowers in June. It
requires a light soil. Cuttings of the young wood may be struck under
glass. Height, 1 ft.
Lithospermum Prostratum.--A hardy perennial, evergreen trailer,
needing no special culture, and adapting itself to any soil. It is
increased by cuttings of the previous year's growth, placed in peat
and silver sand, shaded and kept cool, but not too wet. They should be
struck early in summer, so as to be well rooted before winter sets in.
Its blue flowers are produced in June. Height, 1 ft.
Loasa.--The flowers are both beautiful and curiously formed, but the
plants have a stinging property. They grow well in any loamy soil, and
are easily increased by seed sown in spring. Flowers are produced in
June and July. Height, 2 ft. Besides the annuals there is a half-hardy
climber, L. Aurantiaca, bearing orange-coloured flowers, and attaining
the height of 10 or 12 ft.
Lobelia.--These effective plants may be raised from seed sown in
January or February in fine soil. Sprinkle a little silver sand or
very fine mould over the seed; place in a greenhouse, or in a frame
having a slight bottom-heat, and when large enough prick them out
about 1 in. apart; afterwards put each single plant in a thumb-pot,
and plant out at the end of May. As the different varieties do not
always come true from seed, it is best to propagate by means of
cuttings taken in autumn, or take up the old plants before the frost
gets to them, remove all the young shoots (those at the base of the
plant are best, and if they have a little root attached to them so
much the better), and plant them thinly in well-drained, shallow pans
of leaf-mould and sand; plunge the pans in a hotbed under a frame,
shade them from hot sunshine, and when they are rooted remove them to
the greenhouse till spring, at which time growth must be encouraged by
giving a higher temperature and frequent syringing. They may then be
planted out in light, rich soil, where they will bloom in June or
July. Height, 4 in.
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