Explore our comprehensive guide to 20 flowers that start with L. Discover a variety of floral beauties, from iconic choices like Lily and Lilac to lesser-known gems and learn how to cultivate them in your garden.
Welcome to our lovely world of flowers that start with L! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these blooms will add beauty and charm to your outdoor space. Let’s explore 20 different flowers, their unique features, and how you can grow them. Get ready to learn about these lovely ‘L’ flowers!
1. Lily
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about lilies:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lilium spp. |
| Common Name | Lily |
| Plant Type | Perennial bulb |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-6 feet tall / 1-3 feet spread |
| Special Features | Large, showy flowers, fragrant, attracts pollinators, wide variety of colors and types (e.g., Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet lilies) |
Lilies are elegant flowers with large, showy blooms. They come in many colors and have a sweet fragrance. Lilies grow from bulbs and bloom in summer.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Water deeply but don’t let bulbs sit in water
Lilies are popular in bouquets and gardens. Be careful, though – they can be toxic to cats. Learn more from Cornell University.
2. Lavender
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Lavender:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Common Name | Lavender |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Compact, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Fragrant flowers and foliage, attracts pollinators, drought-tolerant, used in aromatherapy and culinary purposes |
Lavender is known for its purple flowers and fragrant leaves. It’s a small shrub that’s great for borders or herb gardens.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Don’t overwater – lavender likes it dry
Lavender is used in perfumes, soaps, and cooking. It also attracts bees and butterflies to your garden.
3. Lilac
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Lilac:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Syringa vulgaris |
| Common Name | Lilac |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-7 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading |
| Height/Spread | 8-15 feet tall / 6-12 feet spread |
| Special Features | Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators, variety of flower colors (typically shades of purple), used in landscaping and cut flower arrangements |
Lilacs are shrubs or small trees with fragrant flower clusters. They usually bloom in spring and come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Prune after flowering to keep shape
Lilacs are old-fashioned favorites that smell wonderful. They’re great for hedges or as standalone plants.
4. Lupine
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Lupine:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lupinus spp. |
| Common Name | Lupine |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-4 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Spikes of pea-like flowers in various colors (blue, purple, pink, white, yellow), attracts pollinators, nitrogen-fixing properties in the soil |
Lupines have tall spikes of pea-like flowers in many colors. They add height and drama to gardens and attract butterflies.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Don’t disturb once planted – they have long taproots
Lupines are beautiful in wildflower meadows. Some types are used to improve soil. Learn more from Oregon State University Extension.
5. Lantana
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Lantana:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lantana camara |
| Common Name | Lantana |
| Plant Type | Perennial shrub |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 8-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, spreading |
| Height/Spread | 1-6 feet tall / 2-5 feet spread |
| Special Features | Clusters of small, colorful flowers (pink, orange, yellow, red), attracts butterflies, drought-tolerant once established, used in landscaping and as container plants |
Lantana has clusters of small flowers in multiple colors. It blooms all summer and is great for hanging baskets or as ground cover.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Water regularly but don’t overwater
Lantana attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Be careful, though – it can be invasive in some areas.
6. Larkspur
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Larkspur:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Consolida ajacis (formerly Delphinium ajacis) |
| Common Name | Larkspur |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 2-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Spikes of colorful flowers (blue, pink, white), attracts butterflies and bees, used in cut flower arrangements, self-seeding |
Larkspur has tall spikes of spurred flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white. It’s related to delphiniums and adds height to gardens.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use rich, well-draining soil
- Stake tall plants for support
Larkspur is great for cutting gardens. It self-seeds easily, so you’ll have flowers year after year.
7. Lobelia
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Lobelia:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lobelia spp. |
| Common Name | Lobelia |
| Plant Type | Annual or perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Varies by species, typically Zones 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright or trailing |
| Height/Spread | 6 inches to 3 feet tall / 6 inches to 2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Profusion of colorful flowers (blue, purple, white, pink), attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, used in containers, borders, and hanging baskets |
Lobelia has small, delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. It’s often used in hanging baskets or as edging in gardens.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Trim back if plants get leggy
Lobelia blooms all summer and attracts hummingbirds. Some types are used in herbal medicine.
8. Liatris
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about Liatris:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Liatris spp. |
| Common Name | Blazing Star, Gayfeather |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-5 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Spikes of fluffy, purple or white flowers, attracts butterflies and bees, deer resistant, excellent cut flowers, drought-tolerant once established |
Liatris, also called Blazing Star, has tall spikes of fuzzy purple flowers. It blooms from top to bottom, which is unusual for spiked flowers.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
Liatris is great for attracting butterflies and bees. It’s also drought-tolerant once established.
9. Lisianthus
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lisianthus flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Eustoma grandiflorum |
| Common Name | Lisianthus, Prairie Gentian |
| Plant Type | Annual or perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 8-10 (grown as an annual in cooler climates) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; keep soil evenly moist |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 0.5-1 foot spread |
| Special Features | Rose-like flowers in various colors (white, pink, purple, blue), long-lasting blooms, excellent for cut flowers, attracts bees and butterflies |
Lisianthus has rose-like flowers on tall stems. They come in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use rich, well-draining soil
- Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves
Lisianthus makes excellent cut flowers. They’re often used in wedding bouquets because of their elegant look.
10. Lunaria
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lunaria flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lunaria annua |
| Common Name | Lunaria, Honesty, Silver Dollar Plant |
| Plant Type | Biennial or short-lived perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 2-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Fragrant purple or white flowers, distinctive round seed pods that resemble silver coins, attracts pollinators, used in dried flower arrangements |
Lunaria, also called Money Plant, is grown for its silvery, coin-shaped seed pods. It has purple flowers in spring.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Let pods dry on the plant for dried arrangements
Lunaria is great for dried flower arrangements. The seed pods look like silvery coins, hence the name Money Plant.
11. Lavatera
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lavatera flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lavatera spp. |
| Common Name | Lavatera, Tree Mallow, Annual Mallow |
| Plant Type | Annual or perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 7-10 (perennial), grown as annual in cooler zones |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 3-6 feet tall / 2-4 feet spread |
| Special Features | Large, hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple, fast-growing, attracts bees and butterflies, used in borders and as ornamental shrubs |
Lavatera, or Tree Mallow, has large, hibiscus-like flowers in pink or white. It’s a shrubby plant that blooms all summer.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Prune in spring to keep shape
Lavatera is great for adding color to the back of borders. It attracts bees and butterflies.
12. Leucanthemum (Shasta Daisy)
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Leucanthemum flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Leucanthemum spp. |
| Common Name | Shasta Daisy, Ox-eye Daisy |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, average soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Classic white daisy flowers with yellow centers, long blooming period, attracts pollinators, deer resistant, low maintenance |
Leucanthemum, or Shasta Daisy, has classic white daisy flowers with yellow centers. They bloom for a long time in summer.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Divide plants every few years to keep them vigorous
Shasta Daisies are great for cut flowers. They attract butterflies and add a cheerful look to gardens.
13. Lychnis
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lychnis flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lychnis spp. |
| Common Name | Campion, Maltese Cross, Rose Campion |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, average to rich soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clump-forming |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Bright, vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, or white; attracts pollinators; low maintenance; used in borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens |
Lychnis, also called Catchfly, has star-shaped flowers in bright pink or red. Some types have interesting, fuzzy leaves.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun or partial shade
- Use well-draining soil
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
Lychnis is easy to grow and adds bright color to gardens. Some types are short-lived but self-seed readily.
14. Loosestrife
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Loosestrife flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lythrum spp. |
| Common Name | Loosestrife |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clump-forming |
| Height/Spread | 2-5 feet tall / 1-3 feet spread |
| Special Features | Spikes of colorful flowers (usually purple or pink), attracts pollinators, long blooming period, can be invasive in some areas, used in borders and wetland gardens |
Loosestrife has spikes of small star-shaped flowers, usually in purple or pink. Be careful – some types can be invasive.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Can tolerate wet soils
- Choose non-invasive types for gardens
Some types of loosestrife are great for wet areas or rain gardens. Always check if a plant is invasive in your area before planting.
15. Linaria
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Linaria flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Linaria spp. |
| Common Name | Toadflax |
| Plant Type | Annual or perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, average soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 1-2 feet tall / 0.5-1 foot spread |
| Special Features | Snapdragon-like flowers in a variety of colors (purple, pink, yellow, white), attracts bees and butterflies, easy to grow, used in borders, rock gardens, and containers |
Linaria, or Toadflax, has small snapdragon-like flowers on tall stems. They come in many colors and bloom for a long time.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
Linaria is great for cottage gardens or wildflower meadows. It self-seeds easily, so you’ll have flowers year after year.
16. Limonium (Statice)
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Limonium flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Limonium spp. |
| Common Name | Statice, Sea Lavender |
| Plant Type | Perennial or annual |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 (varies by species) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Clusters of small, papery flowers in various colors (purple, blue, pink, white), long-lasting blooms, excellent for dried arrangements, salt-tolerant, attracts pollinators |
Limonium, or Statice, has clusters of small papery flowers in purple, pink, or white. It’s often used in dried flower arrangements.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Don’t overwater – they’re drought-tolerant
Limonium is great for coastal gardens. It’s salt-tolerant and keeps its color when dried.
17. Lenten Rose (Hellebore)
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lenten Rose:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Helleborus orientalis |
| Common Name | Lenten Rose, Hellebore |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, rich, moist soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; keep soil consistently moist |
| Growth Habit | Clump-forming |
| Height/Spread | 1-2 feet tall / 1-2 feet spread |
| Special Features | Early spring blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and green; evergreen foliage; deer and rabbit resistant; long-lasting flowers; used in shade gardens and woodland areas |
Lenten Rose, or Hellebore, has cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. They come in shades of white, pink, and purple.
How to grow:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Use rich, well-draining soil
- Don’t disturb once planted – they don’t like to be moved
Lenten Roses are great for adding color to shady gardens. They’re also deer-resistant. Learn more from North Carolina State Extension.
18. Linum (Flax)
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Linum (Flax) flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Linum usitatissimum |
| Common Name | Flax, Common Flax |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 1-2 feet tall / 0.5-1 foot spread |
| Special Features | Delicate blue flowers, used for fiber and oil production, attracts pollinators, self-seeding, used in cottage gardens and naturalized areas |
Linum, or Flax, has delicate blue or white flowers on thin stems. They bloom for a long time in summer.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Sow seeds directly in the garden – they don’t transplant well
Flax is easy to grow and adds a light, airy look to gardens. Some types are grown for their seeds or fiber.
19. Leptospermum (Tea Tree)
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Leptospermum (Tea Tree) flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Leptospermum spp. |
| Common Name | Tea Tree |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, acidic soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Height/Spread | 6-15 feet tall / 4-10 feet spread |
| Special Features | Profusion of small, white or pink flowers; aromatic foliage; used in landscaping, especially in coastal areas; attracts bees and butterflies |
Leptospermum, or Tea Tree, is a shrub with small, star-shaped flowers. It’s native to Australia and New Zealand.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use well-draining soil
- Don’t overwater – they’re drought-tolerant
Tea Tree is great for Mediterranean-style gardens. Its leaves are used to make tea tree oil.
20. Lewisia
Certainly! Here’s a formatted chart with information about the Lewisia flower:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lewisia spp. |
| Common Name | Bitterroot |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil |
| Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Rosette-forming |
| Height/Spread | 4-12 inches tall / 6-12 inches spread |
| Special Features | Colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white; succulent foliage; drought-tolerant; alpine plant suitable for rock gardens and containers |
Lewisia has rosettes of flowers in bright colors. It’s a small plant that’s great for rock gardens or containers.
How to grow:
- Plant in full sun
- Use very well-draining soil
- Protect from excessive winter wet
Lewisia is native to western North America. It’s great for alpine or rock gardens and comes in many bright colors.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – 20 lovely flowers that start with L! From the elegant Lily to the tough Lewisia, these plants offer a wide range of colors, sizes, and growing needs. Whether you have a sunny garden, a shady spot, or just a few pots on a balcony, there’s an ‘L’ flower for you.
Remember, gardening is about trying new things and learning as you go. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flowers. Some might become your new favorites! Happy gardening, and enjoy your beautiful ‘L’ flowers!
