Large fully double or semi-double flowers in the spring, single flowers later in the year. The flowers vary somewhat in colour from silvery-lilac-mauve, through lilac to lavender-blue or deep pinkish-lavender tinged purple or red. Beige or pale yellow anthers on white filaments. Apparently Walter Pennell said that this cross was 'Daniel Deronda' x 'Beauty of Worcester' but the records no longer exist to confirm this. The variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The first photograph, taken in late August, shows the single form. Named after the raiser's wife.

Group:	Early large-flowered group
Approximate height:	2.5 - 3.0 metres
Flowering period(s):	May Jun Sep (Oct)
Aspect:	Sun or semi-shade
Pruning:	Light prune (Group 2)
Raised by:	Walter Pennell
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Date raised:	rc1954 n1959
Parentage:	Unknown but possibly 'Daniel Deronda' x 'Beauty of Worcester' - see above
Other name(s):	Sold in parts of the US as 'CELTIC SKIES aka Vyvyan Pennell'. Mis-spellings: 'Vyvyan Pennells'; 'Vyvyen Pennell'
Database entry: 591
People:  Click the name(s) for information about:
	The Pennells