20 Flowers That Start with L : A Comprehensive Guide
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
Here’s a comprehensive and easy-to-understand chart for Lilies:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lilium spp. |
| Common Name | Lily |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 (depends on the species) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate, keep soil evenly moist |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-6 feet tall / 1-2 feet wide (varies by species) |
| Special Features | Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators, deer-resistant, variety of colors and forms (trumpet, oriental, asiatic, etc.) |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lavender:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Common Name | Lavender |
| Plant Zone | 5-9 (depending on species) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet wide (varies by species) |
| Special Features | Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators, drought-tolerant, used in aromatherapy and culinary applications |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lilac:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Syringa vulgaris |
| Common Name | Lilac |
| Plant Zone | 3-7 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate, regular watering when young |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous shrub |
| Height/Spread | 8-15 feet tall / 6-12 feet wide |
| Special Features | Fragrant flowers in spring, attracts pollinators, deer-resistant, variety of flower colors (purple, white, pink) |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lupine:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lupinus spp. |
| Common Name | Lupine |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 (depends on the species) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering | Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-4 feet tall / 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Spikes of pea-like flowers in various colors (blue, purple, pink, white, yellow), attracts pollinators, deer-resistant, nitrogen-fixing |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lantana:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lantana camara |
| Common Name | Lantana |
| Plant Zone | 8-11 (typically grown as an annual in colder zones) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Shrub or trailing perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-6 feet tall / 1-5 feet wide |
| Special Features | Colorful clusters of flowers (yellow, orange, pink, red), attracts butterflies, deer-resistant, heat and drought tolerant |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Larkspur:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Consolida ajacis (formerly Delphinium ajacis) |
| Common Name | Larkspur |
| Plant Zone | 2-10 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Annual or biennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-4 feet tall / 6-12 inches wide |
| Special Features | Tall spikes of blue, pink, white or purple flowers, attracts pollinators, deer-resistant, self-seeds readily |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lobelia:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lobelia spp. |
| Common Name | Lobelia |
| Plant Zone | 2-10 (depends on the species) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate to high |
| Growth Habit | Annual or perennial |
| Height/Spread | 6 inches to 3 feet tall, spread varies |
| Special Features | Blue, white or pink flowers, 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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Liatris:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Liatris spp. |
| Common Name | Blazing Star, Gayfeather |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Spiky, purple or white flowers, attracts butterflies and bees, deer-resistant, 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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lisianthus:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Eustoma grandiflorum (formerly Lisianthus russellianus) |
| Common Name | Lisianthus, Prairie Gentian |
| Plant Zone | 8-10 (typically grown as an annual in colder zones) |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Annual or biennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall / 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Large, rose-like flowers in various colors (white, pink, purple, blue), long vase life, used in bouquets and arrangements, prefers cooler climates |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lunaria:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lunaria annua |
| Common Name | Honesty, Money Plant |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Biennial |
| Height/Spread | 1.5-3 feet tall / 1 foot wide |
| Special Features | Purple or white flowers in spring, translucent silver seed pods, self-seeds readily, attracts pollinators |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lavatera:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lavatera spp. |
| Common Name | Lavatera, Tree Mallow |
| Plant Zone | 7-10 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Shrub or subshrub |
| Height/Spread | 3-10 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide |
| Special Features | Large, colorful flowers (pink, purple, white), attracts butterflies and bees, drought-tolerant once established, suitable for coastal gardens |
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)
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Leucanthemum:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Leucanthemum spp. |
| Common Name | Shasta Daisy |
| Plant Zone | 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | White or yellow daisy-like flowers, attracts pollinators, deer-resistant, long blooming season |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lychnis:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lychnis spp. |
| Common Name | Campion, Maltese Cross |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Clusters of pink, red or white flowers, attracts butterflies and bees, deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once established |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Loosestrife:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lysimachia spp. |
| Common Name | Loosestrife |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate to high |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Clusters of yellow, pink or white flowers, attracts pollinators, some species can be invasive, good for wet areas and borders |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Linaria:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Linaria spp. |
| Common Name | Toadflax |
| Plant Zone | 3-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Annual or short-lived perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall, 0.5-1 foot wide |
| Special Features | Delicate, snapdragon-like flowers in various colors (purple, pink, yellow), attracts pollinators, easy to grow, can self-seed |
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)
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Limonium:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Limonium spp. |
| Common Name | Sea Lavender, Statice |
| Plant Zone | 3-10 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate, drought-tolerant |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial or annual |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Papery, long-lasting flowers in shades of purple, pink, white and yellow; excellent for dried flower 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)
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lenten Rose:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Helleborus orientalis |
| Common Name | Lenten Rose |
| Plant Zone | 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, rich, moist soil |
| Watering | Moderate, keep soil consistently moist |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Early spring bloomer, evergreen foliage, deer-resistant, long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and green, shade-tolerant, attracts early pollinators |
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)
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Linum:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Linum usitatissimum |
| Common Name | Flax |
| Plant Zone | 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous annual or perennial |
| Height/Spread | 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Special Features | Delicate blue flowers, fine-textured foliage, attracts pollinators, used for fiber and oil production, self-seeding, easy to grow |
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)
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Leptospermum:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Leptospermum scoparium |
| Common Name | Tea Tree, Manuka |
| Plant Zone | 8-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Growth Habit | Evergreen shrub |
| Height/Spread | 6-10 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide |
| Special Features | Attractive white, pink or red flowers, aromatic foliage, attracts pollinators, can be used for hedging, medicinal uses (Manuka honey) |
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
Here’s an easy-to-understand chart for Lewisia:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lewisia spp. |
| Common Name | Bitterroot |
| Plant Zone | 3-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate, drought-tolerant |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height/Spread | 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide |
| Special Features | Showy, colorful flowers in pink, white, yellow and orange; evergreen rosettes; excellent for rock gardens; attracts pollinators; low maintenance |
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!
