Mystery Shrub?

Hi all, can anyone recognize this shrub from a rather floppy piece that has travelled in a hot car without being bagged?

It is in a friends garden & I like the sound of it. He said it's about 4-5ft high & about 4ft across. Any help would be appreciated.

 

It looks like some kind of Cerinthe, but that's isn't a shrub and not so big.

 

Hi Tangovictor (or should I say TV and :D ) and welcome.

It could be a Leycesteria Formosa. See this link

http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4335

 

That was my second choice, but the flower is very distinctive, and I couldn't see how it would fit!

 

I think it's Cerinthe TV.

 

Cerinthe major purpurescens

 

Very many thanks for the quick responses. i will go with Cerinthe Major Purpurescens. The plant in question has survived in sussex in open ground for at least 5 years with no winter protection. As for the size, my friend does tend to exaggerate (so his wife informs me)lol. Thanks also for the welcome Blacthorn.
ps. TV are my initials, & not my pastime. He he

 

I think it's a great plant, the bluey-purple flowers look lovely against the glaucus foliage. The only complaint I have is that it seeds itself everywhere!

 

I brought back a couple of seedlings from my daughters garden also in Sussex one survived, I am hoping it will seed every where as I have a waiting list from neighbours! tis a handsome plant with out doubt. :D

 

The seeds are very easy to collect and germinate as readily as sunflowers, so perhaps you can give them some seeds.