Gentiana x macaulayi.

Like many people, I adore the scent of old books. This fine picture is taken from Arthur Osborn's Winter-Flowering Plants, published just after the war. My lovely Granny Pat & Grampy gave it to me recently, and it belonged to my great-grandfather. Granny mentioned he was fond of gentians.

Gentiana x macaulayi, "Macaulay Gentian"
(Herbaceous perennial.)

Planting: March.
Flowering: September to October.
Aspect: Partial shade. Acidic, well-drained but
                 moist soil (a dry spring can affect growth).
Hardiness: Hardy (alpine plant).

Notes: Head of Kew's arboretum in the early twentieth century, Arthur Osborn wrote plenty of other books. His Shrubs and Trees for the Garden even features in the seventh Harry Potter film!