An older, award winning cultivar since 1870 that produces lots of 7.0 to 14.0cm, semi-nodding, deeply ribbed, violet-blue flowers which fade to a paler blue as they mature with a central boss of cream or yellow anthers. 

Raised by Durand Freres of France and introduced in 1870 this cultivar has been the recipient of the prestigious ROyal Horticultural Society 'Award of Garden Merit' for its outstanding qualities.