Description
This has superb, hooded helmet-shaped flowers of deep rich purple held among short but very sturdy, glossy leaves of heavy substance. In time it will grow into a tightly-knit clump.
The flowers are small to medium sized but the intense colouring counterbalances this. Growth may make 25 cm but this is exceptional, 15-20 cm is the norm here in good light and in a nice, deep, humus rich soil. The flowers are made whilst the leaves are still half developed, so the blooms are not overpowered.
Apparently absent from China but occurring just over the border in Burma. Remarkably the plants in cultivation almost all seem to have been raised from an old Frank-Kingdon Ward collection made in Burma, though the species itself is only newly recognised. Easily grown and although coming closest to alpina it is distinct and easily recognised apart.
Fully hardy outside, needing no exceptional treatments.
