Large, deep blue double or semi-double blooms on old wood in the spring, followed by single flowers on new in late summer. The tepals tend to be paler and slightly redder towards the centre. Creamy-yellow anthers. Described as free-flowering in some catalogues although Toomey & Leeds (2001) specifically note that some clones are not very floriferous. This plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The photograph, taken in late August, shows the single form.

Group:	Early large-flowered group
Approximate height:	1.5 - 3.0 metres
Flowering period(s):	May Jun Sep
Aspect:	Sun or semi-shade
USDA zones:	4 5 6 7 8 9
Pruning:	Light prune (Group 2)
Raised by:	Richard Smith & Co
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Date raised:	rb1886 i1890
Parentage:	?'Purpurea Elegans' x ?'Countess of Lovelace'
Other name(s):	None known
Further detail:  Flower diameter: 12.5-15cm Tepals: 6 in the single form, 6-9cm long, 5-6cm wide Database entry: 80