HARDY PERENNEAL PLANTS 201 



LOBELIA. The native species, L. cardinalis and L. syphilitica, 

 are, in this latitude, much more satisfactory than any of the gaudy- 

 flowered forms oiL.fulgens andi. splendens. L. cardinalis is among 

 the handsomest of herbaceous plants; the flowers are bright scarlet. 

 It must have abundance of water when growing. L. syphilitica, a 

 blue-flowered species, will succeed well in a drier soil. 



Propagation. By seeds planted in late Summer for flowering 

 plants the following season. 



LUPINUS (Lupine). L. polyphyllus is the most popular va- 

 riety. The flowers are deep blue. L. p. alhifloriis is a white form. 

 L. p. Moerheimii, a recent introduction, is a beautiful, long-lived 

 plant. The flowers are a combination of the dark and light shades 

 of pink. All of the Lupines succeed in any good soil. However, 

 they are said to have an aversion to lime. For best effect, they 

 should be planted in masses. They bloom from June to September. 

 Among the annuals L. luteus, a yellow, and L. hirsutus, the blue, 

 are both popular. 



Propagation. By division; also by seeds planted where the 

 plants are finally desired, as they do not bear transplanting well. 



LYCHNIS. There are numerous species in this genus which 

 are desirable as border or rockery plants. L. alba flore-pleno (L. 

 vespertina) has large, double white flowers. It blooms in May and 

 June. i./t(/ge«.s is little grown in this country. The scarlet Lychnis, 

 L. chalcedonica (Maltese Cross), grows about 23^ feet tall and blooms 

 in June. L. Viscaria (German Catchfly) has an extended blooming 

 period. It is an erect-growing plant, usually about a foot high, 

 with rosy-red flowers. It, has a sticky substance on the under side 

 of the leaf which catches ants. It is seen often in old gardens and 

 has a tufted habit. There are also double-flowered forms. They 

 are all of simple culture requirements. (See page 202.) 



Propagation. They are propagated by division. All of the 

 species are easily grown from seeds, blooming the second year. 



LYSIMACHIA (Loosestrife). Most of the species are of 

 weedy growth and increase rapidly. L. Nufnmularia is the Money- 

 wort, or Creeping Jenny; useful as a creeper or for hanging baskets 

 or vases. There is a beautiful form with yellowish leaves. L. 

 clethroides is a handsome species, growing from 2 to 3 feet high; 

 the flowers, which are white, are arranged in long, drooping spikes. 

 They are of easy culture, thriving best in a moist soil. 



