Officially recognised just a few years ago and grown at Dalemain in Cumbria for many years.
Leaves emerge very early in the season, they are covered with deep brown bristles while young but become less visible as the leaf matures. Leaves are lance shaped and covered variably with brown bristles. The flowers are held on rigid stems which carry few leaves. Each stem holds several flowers each, the flowers facing outwards and slightly downwards. Colour is a rich blue, not often seen in the garden. Highly recommended.